Ukraine Initiates Plans for Collaborative Gas Hub with Poland
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Kyiv, Dec 20 (NationPress) Ukraine is actively pursuing the development of a joint gas hub in collaboration with Poland to offset the impact of reduced Russian gas transit, according to a report from the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, which cited Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolisnyk.
Kolisnyk stated, "The cessation of transit signifies the onset of competition among emerging routes and resources, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is rapidly increasing its share in the overall energy portfolio of the EU."
The envisioned Eastern European gas hub aims to utilize Ukraine's storage capabilities alongside Poland's LNG terminals to effectively store and distribute gas for European consumers, he elaborated.
Historically, Ukraine has served as a crucial transit corridor for Russian gas deliveries to Europe, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that Kyiv will not prolong its five-year gas transportation agreement with Russia, which is set to expire on December 31.
In August, Polish President Andrzej Duda visited Kyiv to participate in the celebrations marking the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's Independence, just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's significant visit to Ukraine.
During the main festivities held at Sofia Square, Duda remarked, "Your Independence Day is, in a sense, also a celebration of the independence of all of Central Europe. Because without an independent Ukraine, it is difficult to envision an independent and secure Poland, Lithuania, or other nations in our region."
Duda emphasized that in 1991, Poland was the first nation globally to officially recognize Ukraine's independence.
"From the outset, we have supported your pro-Western ambitions. Poles stood by you during the Orange Revolution and also during Euromaidan," he stated during his address at Sofia Square.
The Polish President's office noted that he also acknowledged that for over two years, the Ukrainian people have been valiantly defending their homeland, "paying the highest price" in the process.
"In this most challenging ordeal, you are not alone. Poland has stood, stands, and will continue to stand by your just struggle until the victorious conclusion," declared Duda.
Duda had previously participated in the celebrations commemorating the adoption of the Act of Independence of Ukraine in both 2016 and 2021.
