EU Declines Discussions With Russia on Gas Transit Via Ukraine, Kyiv Signals Readiness for Certain Proposals – Sky Bulletin

The stance of the European Commission (EC) is clear: there are no intentions to enter into discussions with Russia regarding the continuation of gas transit to the EU through Ukraine’s gas transmission system (GTS). Kadri Simson, the European Energy Commissioner, has emphatically stated to the press that the EC is set on phasing out reliance on Russian gas. This objective is encapsulated in the RePowerEU plan, which targets the EU’s independence from Russian gas by no later than 2027. On another note, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has communicated that, while Ukraine is looking to bow out from renewing the present transit agreement with Russia, it is prepared to sustain the natural gas flow towards the EU if the European countries express such a need. This statement reiterates and confirms what Robert Fizo, the Slovak prime minister, announced in January following discussions with Shmyhal in Uzhhorod, projecting the likelihood of continued gas transit through Ukraine.

What are the EU’s plans for Russian gas?

The EU plans to eliminate its dependence on Russian gas by 2027, as outlined in the RePowerEU plan.

Has the EU expressed any willingness to negotiate with Russia on gas transit?

No, the EU does not plan to engage in negotiations with Russia regarding gas transit through Ukraine.

What is Ukraine’s position on the gas transit contract with Russia?

Ukraine will not extend its current gas transit contract with Russia, but expresses readiness to maintain transit to the EU if European countries request it.

Did the Slovak Prime Minister make a statement about Ukraine’s gas transit?

Yes, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fizo indicated after his meeting in January with Ukraine’s Prime Minister that gas transit through Ukraine is likely to continue.

The European Union is steadfastly moving towards energy independence from Russia, setting a firm deadline of 2027 to wean off Russian gas. With the EC ruling out talks with Russia on the matter of gas transit through Ukraine, the EU’s commitment to this goal is underscored. Despite this, Ukraine has taken a flexible stance, with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal indicating the country’s openness to facilitating the continuation of gas transit to EU member states should they request it. This aligns with earlier projections by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fizo about the possible extension of gas transit via Ukraine, maintaining a glimmer of hope for uninterrupted energy supply routes to Europe amidst turbulent geopolitical relations.