Ukraine has dealt a significant blow to Russia’s energy strategy by allowing the natural gas deal with Gazprom to expire, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The agreement, which allowed Russian fuel to transit through Ukraine to European customers, ended on January 1, following months of strained relations.
Zelensky described the expiration as “one of Moscow’s biggest defeats,” citing the sharp drop in Russia’s natural gas sales since Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The deal accounted for around half of Russia’s total pipeline gas exports to Europe and had been curbing funding for Putin’s war machine.
The move marks a significant shift in Ukraine’s energy landscape, with the country set to lose millions of dollars in transit fees each year. Russian gas giant Gazprom will also face losses from reduced sales. The EU is now relying on alternative suppliers, including US gas supplies.
Ukraine has taken steps to reduce its dependence on Russian energy by importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States. The country’s largest private energy company, DTEK, recently received a shipment of LNG, signaling its determination to strengthen Ukraine and Europe’s energy security.
The expiration of the deal also raises concerns about Moldova’s heavy reliance on Russian supplies. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko has warned that allies must support the country amid reduced gas exports.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-gas-transit-zelensky-2008406