Ukrainian PM announces end of Russian gas transit due to expiring contract
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has stated that Ukraine will halt the transit of Russian gas at 7:00 (GMT+2) on January 1, 2025, as the five-year contract expires.
Shmyhal during a speech in the Verkhovna Rada, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media.
"As of today, we understand that the gas transit agreement ends on January 1, 2025," he said.
Shmyhal noted that at 7:00, the transit will physically be stopped due to the expiration of this agreement.
However, he emphasised that transit could resume upon a request from the European Commission (EC), provided that the gas in question is not Russian gas. Ukraine no longer intends to supply Russian gas. Shmyhal also acknowledged that Kyiv is forced to continue the transit of Russian oil in accordance with the Energy Charter.
Earlier, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned Ukraine of a serious conflict if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not permit the transit of Russian gas. The politician reminded that Bratislava has been supporting Kyiv, and in return, it expects mutual assistance.
By Naila Huseynova