Kremlin Highlights Challenges in Gas Supply to Europe as Ukraine's Transit Agreement Approaches Expiration
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Moscow, Dec 23 (NationPress) The transit of Russian gas to European nations is presently extremely challenging and necessitates careful consideration, as affirmed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Monday.
Peskov's comments followed a meeting between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where they deliberated on the gas transit situation after Ukraine opted not to renew its transit agreement with Russia.
"You are aware of the Ukrainian statement and the stance of certain European nations that continue to procure Russian gas, viewing it as essential for the smooth functioning of their economies," Peskov remarked, highlighting the complexity of the current situation that calls for attention, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday during a European Union Summit that he would not extend Ukraine's five-year gas transportation agreement with Russia, which concludes at the end of 2024.
This decision has sparked worries in Slovakia, which maintains a long-term contract with Russian energy conglomerate Gazprom. Although Putin indicated Russia's willingness to continue supplying gas to the West and Slovakia, Fico stated that it would be virtually impossible once the gas transit agreement lapses at the year's end.
The meeting between Putin and Fico was scheduled a few days prior, and the two leaders engaged in a direct dialogue, as mentioned by Peskov.
Furthermore, according to Fico, the meeting was a response to Zelensky's remarks at the European Union summit in Brussels, where he opposed any gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia.
Putin reassured that Russia is prepared to supply gas to the West and to Slovakia, as Fico noted, but added that this would be nearly unattainable after January 1, 2025, when the current contract expires, particularly considering Zelensky's stance.
Top officials from the EU were briefed on the purpose of the visit on Friday, according to Fico.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that the nation would cease the transit of Russian gas through its territory starting January 1, 2025.
The resumption of gas transit would only be feasible upon the request of the European Commission and if Ukraine transports non-Russian gas, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine, citing Shmyhal.
It is important to note that Ukraine has historically been a crucial transit route for Russian gas supplies to Europe.
Slovakia relies on gas flowing through Ukraine, and Fico has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not agreeing to extend the contract, which is set to expire at the end of the year. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, featured in a video shared on Zarubin's account via the Telegram messaging app, indicated that the discussions were certain to center on gas transit and the prevailing international circumstances.
Slovakia, which holds a long-term contract with Gazprom, is striving to maintain gas supplies through Ukraine, emphasizing that sourcing gas from other locations would incur an additional 220 million euros ($229 million) in transit costs.
