Return the Zaporozhye NPP and stop shelling: what to require in the Russian Federation in exchange for gas transit

How to return the Zaporizhzhya NPP to Ukraine? It is very simple, according to economist Volodymyr Omelchenko - to set it a condition for the restoration of transit of Russian gas, and the second condition - to stop firing of energy and civilian infrastructure. Are there any possibilities of restoration of gas transit? The transit lever of influence on negotiations must work. Recently, President of Ukraine V. Zelensky and Viceremier in European integration O.

Stephanishin made statements about possible restoration of gas transit territory of Ukraine. However, it was not specified from which source. From this reason, I would like to notice the following. First, since February 2, 2025, gas is transported to Moldova from Romania (the entrance-exit of Isakcha-Orlovka) from February 2, 2025. Secondly, Ukraine is interested in the transit of any gas of non-Russian origin by means of a transbalk pipeline and further through GTSU to EU countries.

Is there a sufficient amount of diversification sources? Third, I think that it would be correct if Ukraine suggested in peace talks the restoration of Russian gas transit and continuation of oil transit in exchange for returning the NPP under its own control with Energodar and adjacent to the work of the station with infrastructure. Also, such a proposal should include the requirement of termination of shelling by the Russian Federation of energy and civil infrastructure of Ukraine.

I will remind that according to the information of the expression-minister of Moldova Ion Sturza, Ukraine has already made such proposals, but received a refusal, after which Ukraine refused to conclude a new contract on transit of "Azerbaijani" (Russian) gas. Therefore, it is important to make the above arguments on the negotiation table with the Donald Trump administration and our European allies to end the war to strengthen the Ukrainian position.

I believe that it would be a very good negotiation base for further agreements on the complete cessation of hostilities and for the completion of the hot phase of war on fair conditions for Ukraine. P. S. Of course, there is no point in speaking to restore Russian gas transit without equivalent compensation. This would only show Ukraine's weakness on the eve or in the process of important negotiations. The author expresses a personal opinion that may not coincide with the editorial position.