Let's stay on the gas hook: Ukraine can continue the transit of Russian gas to the EU - the media

In Kiev, earlier promised not to continue an agreement with the Russian Gazprop and stop the transit of Russian gas to Europe after the contract at the end of 2024. But the Prime Minister of Slovakia says there are new arrangements. Ukraine may not stop gas exports from Russia to Europe through its gas transportation system after December 31, 2024, when the transit contract between Moscow and Kiev expires.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo has declared this opportunity after meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmigal, writes Bloomberg. "There has been an agreement that Russian gas transit through Ukraine will probably continue, and this is good news. That is, we will also be able to continue the transit of this gas in Slovakia, which will also benefit Austria and Italy," he said.

At the same time, the press service of the Ukrainian Prime Minister denied the words of the Slovak official and noted that the position of Ukraine in the issue of Russian gas transit remains unchanged. "The position of the Ukrainian side is unambiguous: the term of the transit contract ends at the end of the year, we are not going to talk to the Russians and continue the contract. It was this Ukrainian prime minister that said his Slovak colleague," the statement said.

It is noted that the Ukrainian gas transportation system remains the main transit route for Russian gas supplies to European countries even after the volume of supply from May 2022 has decreased by 40% of the contract volume. "There is a real risk that Gazprom will keep the supply to those who want to buyers from the European Union, reserving short -term capacity in Ukraine - an option that a Russian company can use through auctions," journalists write.

The five -year contract for Russian gas transit through Ukraine, as mentioned above, ends at the end of 2024. During this time, the Russian Gazprom is obliged to pump 225 billion cubic meters of gas, including 65 billion cubic meters of 2020 and 40 billion cubic meters each next year. At the same time, since last May, Ukraine has not transit gas through the gas metering station "Sokhranivka", as it is under the occupation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Russia refused to transfer the volumes to the DHW "Sudzha", and stopped the gas transit through Poland by the Yamal - Europe - Europe. According to the head of the company "Operator of GTS" Sergey Makakon, 13 billion cubic meters are pumped through the pipeline in Ukraine, although the contract provides 40 billion cubic meters. Earlier, Focus wrote that Gazprom was threatening Ukraine with sanctions.