Ukraine draws line on Russian gas, offers to transit Azerbaijani energy to Europe

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Ukraine is prepared to transport Azerbaijani gas but will not engage in any new contracts for the transit of Russian gas as he met with his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu.

Zelenskyy emphasized that, with the expiration of Ukraine's previous contract for the transit of Russian gas on January 1, 2025, the country is no longer willing to facilitate the flow of Russian energy, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

However, he clarified that gas transit could occur if countries such as Slovakia or unrecognized Transnistria require gas to meet their domestic needs, provided that the gas is not of Russian origin.

"Ukraine is ready to transport Azerbaijani gas, not Russian gas," Zelenskyy affirmed. He also expressed willingness to use the country’s infrastructure to help facilitate the transit of Azerbaijani gas to European nations impacted by the cessation of Russian gas supplies.

Russian gas has stopped flowing to EU states via Ukraine after a five-year deal expired, marking the end of a decades-long arrangement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that his country would not allow Russia to "earn additional billions on our blood". Poland's government meanwhile said the cut-off was "another victory" against Moscow.

The European Commission said the EU had prepared for the change and most states could cope. Moldova, which is not in the EU, is already suffering shortages.

By Vafa Guliyeva