Ukraine will not negotiate with Russia on gas transit extension as there is no need for that

Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko has said that our state will not negotiate with Russia on the extension of gas transit through our territory after the current contract expires. According to him, there will be no need for this.

Halushchenko said this in an interview with the Ukrainian service of the Voice of America. The contract signed in 2019 expires next year.

The Minister hopes that by that time Europe will not need Russian gas at all so there will be no need to extend the contract. This requires European states to be able to establish the purchase of blue fuel from other suppliers so that they do not need energy from the aggressor country.

"First of all, we will not be a party to negotiations with the Russians, this is quite obvious. Secondly, I think that next year will be indicative in terms of Europe's ability to function without Russian gas at all. I see all the prerequisites for this to happen," Halushchenko said.

He also recalled the statement of European Commissioner Kadri Simson who said that Europe seeks to get rid of Russian gas completely. Halushchenko also said that the contract is relevant now, but Russia can terminate it any day because its policy is unpredictable and aggressive.

According to him, Ukraine can play a significant role in ensuring the stability of the gas market in Europe already this winter. Despite the full-scale war, European companies continue to store gas in Ukrainian gas storage facilities. The Minister said that this volume will only grow.

"I am sure that there will be an increase in the volume of gas injection in the next month, which means that Ukraine is a reliable partner even during the war. Secondly, it is Ukraine that can provide security of supply for Europe. This is important," the Minister added.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, earlier Herman Halushchenko said that Ukraine and Russia will not agree on the extension of the 5-year transit contract, as it did in 2019. According to him, Ukraine is preparing the system to reduce supplies.

Only verified information we have on the Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!