Ukraine ready to work with EU gas operators, not Russia

Ukraine ready to work with EU gas operators, not Russia

Energy

Ukraine is ready to consider the possibility of cooperating with European operators on gas transit to the EU, but it is the European Commission that must decide whether the European side needs such transit and whether it is ready to provide it.

This was stated in Brussels during a press conference by the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna, who is in Belgium on a working visit, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

This is how she answered journalists' questions about whether Ukraine is ready to consider the possibility of using its transit capabilities to continue transmitting gas to Europe.

"The issue was raised by the Hungarian side yesterday during a meeting at NATO Headquarters, in the context of energy security. Also today, as far as I know, President Ursula von der Leyen will have contacts with Prime Minister (of Slovakia Robert - ed.) Fico. The Ukrainian position is very simple. We knew that the agreement with Russia would be terminated, we communicated that to European Commission in advance. In the event any requests are received from the European Commission, Ukraine will, of course, fulfill its transit function. But the ball is now on the pitch of the European Commission, and the agreements that Hungary can reach in this regard,” the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine noted.

Answering a clarifying question from journalists whether this concerns the transit of Russian gas, Olha Stefanishyna emphasized that the Ukrainian side is considering the possibility of working with European gas operators.

“We will work with European operators, and the European Commission must determine whether it is important for them to ensure this transit or not. But as of January 1, when the (transit - ed.) agreement was terminated, we had a clear vision of the European Commission that even a complete cessation of transit (of gas - ed.) poses no economic threat to the European Union,” the Ukrainian government representative added.

As reported, the transit contract for the transmission of Russian gas to Europe through the Ukrainian GTS expired on December 31, 2024. This caused a violent reaction from the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, who on December 27 last year, after a trip to Moscow, threatened to take action “in response” to Ukraine’s cessation of Russian gas transit.

Tags

Related articles

Greece a Key US Ally and Energy Hub
During her Senate confirmation hearing, Kimberly Guilfoyle, nominee for US ambassador to Greece, emphasized Greece’s growing strategic role as a pillar of stability in NATO and a vital energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Orlen Boosts LNG Supplies to Ukraine
Polish energy company Orlen has signed its fourth gas supply deal this year with Ukraine’s Naftogaz, the company announced.
Petromidia Cogeneration Plant Nears Launch
Romania's Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan visited the cogeneration plant near the Petromidia refinery on Tuesday, highlighting its strategic importance as the largest project by the Kazakh-Romanian Energy Investment Fund (FIEKR).
Ministry Denies Eco-Tax Hike
The Ministry of Environment and Water has dismissed claims of a drastic rise in environmental taxes, calling recent reports of a 900% surge in eco-taxes on electric appliances baseless.
Moldova Adopts Uniform Gas Tariffs
Chisinau — Lawmakers in Moldova have adopted a bill in its second reading aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security through key reforms in the natural gas sector.
Sofia Backs Renewable Fuels
Sofia will host a renewable fuel awareness event this Friday as part of the European initiative Tour d'Europe, the Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association (BPGA) announced.
Italy Grants €14M to Moldova
Italy has pledged €14 million in new financial support to Moldova via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aiming to strengthen social protection and energy resilience.