Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the end of Russian gas transit across his country as a significant “defeat” for Moscow amid its near three-year invasion. The halt in Russian gas flows to Europe via Ukraine began on Wednesday morning after Zelensky refused to prolong decades of cooperation that had earned billions of dollars for both Moscow and Kyiv.
The move has caused mixed reactions in Europe, with some countries welcoming the decision as a “new victory” for the West. However, others, such as Slovakia, reliant on Russian gas, have slammed the move, citing its potential impact on their energy supplies.
Zelensky pointed directly at Russian President Vladimir Putin for the breakdown in gas ties. He said that Russia’s weaponisation of energy and cynical blackmail had led to Moscow losing one of the most profitable markets. The Ukrainian president urged other European countries to withstand “hysteria” from politicians who prefer to engage with Moscow on less transparent terms.
European natural gas prices have risen above 50 euros per megawatt hour, as buyers in Eastern Europe prepare for the halt in supplies. Hungary, which receives Russian gas via an alternative route, is largely unaffected by the move. Brussels has downplayed the impact of the loss of Russian gas supply on the bloc overall, stating that it had been preparing for such a scenario.
The energy crisis has already affected Moldova, with Transnistria plunged into a power and heating shortage due to Russia’s decision to halt gas supplies over a payment dispute.
Source: https://fortune.com/europe/2025/01/02/eastern-europe-fumes-zelensky-pulls-plug-russian-gas-transit