Foreign Ministry: Ukraine working on transit of Azerbaijani gas to Europe

Ukraine is actively working on the possibility of transporting Azerbaijani natural gas to Europe, according to Heorhii Tykhyi, a representative of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.

Speaking at a briefing on February 7, Tykhyi confirmed that efforts are underway to facilitate Ukraine's participation in the transit of Azerbaijani gas, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

"This is specifically about Azerbaijani gas and Ukraine's participation in its transportation. Yes, indeed, this work is being carried out," Tykhyi stated.

Tykhyi also commented on the stance of Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico regarding energy diversification, asserting that European governments should have prioritised securing alternative energy sources well in advance.

"There is no need to complain now that this work was not done earlier and that there are currently energy supply needs. Europe has sufficient energy resources of non-Russian origin, including American gas and other supplies from partners, which are enough to meet consumer demands," he emphasised.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry representative urged European nations to focus on diversifying their energy supplies and reducing dependence on Russian gas.

"Russia gives nothing for free. If it offers cheaper gas, the rest of the price is paid with sovereignty. Ukraine advises this not because it considers itself the smartest, but because it has unfortunately experienced it in its history," Tykhyi warned.

Ukraine's initiative follows discussions in July 2024, when Ukraine and the European Union approached Azerbaijan with a proposal to facilitate the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Europe after the expiration of Russia’s existing transit contract at the end of the year.

Since January 1, Ukraine has ceased the transit of Russian gas, which had been supplied to several EU countries and the unrecognised Transnistria. On January 25, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is prepared to transport Azerbaijani gas, positioning itself as a key transit hub for European energy security.

By Vugar Khalilov