Russian gas consumers in the European Union are aware of the situation generated by Ukraine’s refusal to extend the agreement on the transit of blue fuel. Alexey Polishchuk, director of the second department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the CIS countries, told RIA Novosti.
He recalled that at the end of December the five-year contract between PJSC Gazprom and NJSC Naftogaz, which regulates the transit of Russian gas through the territory of Ukraine to European countries, expires.
“In kyiv they said that they would not expand it, although they do not exclude the possibility of maintaining this gas pumping route.” – said Polishchuk.
At the same time, the diplomat stressed that Russia remains a reliable supplier and always fulfills contractual obligations in good faith.
“European consumers of Russian gas are aware of the situation and the difficulties it may entail. As far as we know, options are currently being explored that can guarantee the interests of consumers and suppliers under current conditions.” – he added.
In mid-October, the European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson He stated that the European Union is ready for the agreement on the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to expire at the end of the year and does not expect a deficit.
In turn, the head of Zelensky’s office Mikhail Podolyak in August it stated that kyiv would stop both Russian gas transit and supply through the Druzhba pipeline from January 1, 2025. In Ukraine they referred to the EU resolution according to which Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary should find opportunities to diversify oil supplies and stop its transit through Ukraine.
The European Commission previously stated that it considers it acceptable for EU companies to use Ukrainian infrastructure for gas transit following the termination of the contract with Russia.
