Ukraine eyes gas deal with Azerbaijan after successful pilot project

Ukraine is preparing to extend its gas import cooperation with Azerbaijan following the successful completion of a pilot project that transported natural gas via the Trans-Balkan corridor, the country’s Minister of Energy Svitlana Hrynchuk announced.

Hrynchuk confirmed that negotiations are currently underway to formalize a new agreement that would allow for continued imports into 2025, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

“We are currently holding negotiations. Azerbaijan is interested in this. If the contract is signed, we will continue [supplies in 2025 — ed.],” she said, indicating mutual willingness to deepen bilateral energy cooperation.

The pilot initiative marked a significant milestone in diversifying Ukraine’s energy sources amid ongoing disruptions caused by the war with Russia. The Trans-Balkan corridor offers an alternative supply route, reducing dependence on traditional pipelines traversing conflict-prone regions.

However, Hrynchuk also underscored the challenges facing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. “There are military risks,” she cautioned, pointing to an uptick in Russian attacks targeting critical gas infrastructure, including facilities supporting import operations.

By Vafa Guliyeva