"This issue has been put to rest": Zelenskyy announces plans for gas transit from Russia

Ukraine will not extend the gas transit agreement with Russia, putting an end to many years of cooperation in this area. At the same time, Ukraine is ready to consider requests from European companies for gas transit through its territory in cooperation with the European Union.

This was stated by Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Ukraine 2024: Independence forum. "No one will extend the agreement with Russia. This is the end of the matter," Zelenskyy said.

This decision is a response to speculation that arose after Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent remarks during his visit to Azerbaijan. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has completed its cooperation with Russia in this area.

Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine is ready to consider cooperation with European companies if they are interested in transiting gas through Ukraine. However, this issue still needs to be agreed with the European Union and other stakeholders. "As for the transit of gas from other companies – if the requests of some of our European colleagues continue – we will all consider their requests together with the European Union," the President added.

When asked about the Russian president's remarks, Zelenskyy said he did not know what exactly Putin had said in Azerbaijan, but he was confident that the issue of gas transit would no longer be discussed. "I don't know what the old man (Putin – Ed.) was talking about in Azerbaijan. I'm not sure it was about gas. I think there are other issues," Zelenskyy said.

Gas transit through Ukraine has always been important for European consumers, especially for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Zelenskyy's statement may cause concern among European partners, as alternative routes such as Nord Stream 2 face sanctions and political obstacles. However, Ukraine is ready for new economic opportunities and is looking for partners in Europe who are willing to work on the principles of mutual respect and equality.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, amid the completion of the transit contract between Gazprom and Naftogaz in 2024, Ukraine and the European Union are actively considering the possibility of using Azerbaijani gas as an alternative to Russian gas. This issue has become particularly relevant after Vladimir Putin's visit to Azerbaijan.

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