Kiev is determined to maintain the transit of Russian oil and gas through Ukrainian territory.
(Baonghean.vn) - The Kiev government and the Ukrainian State Energy Corporation Naftogaz are determined to maintain the transportation of Russian oil and gas, transiting through Ukrainian territory, including the purpose of making profits from this.
 |
Russian gas distribution station in Ukraine. Photo: Ria Novosti |
The Washington Post reported that Naftogaz and senior political leaders stressed that Ukraine cannot and should not close Russian gas pipelines passing through here, both to collect transit fees and "because some pro-Ukrainian countries in Europe still depend on Russian gas." Since Russia launched a special military campaign in Ukraine, Naftogaz has continued to carry out the business of transiting Russian gas to Europe.
The Washington Post also noted that, although Ukraine has called on the West to impose tougher sanctions on Russia and cut off almost all economic ties with Moscow, it is "bizarre" that it does not give up its position as a transit point for Russian gas, Ukraine insists that it has no other choice. Therefore, Kiev has actively lobbied to keep its oil and gas transit revenue.
According to the publication, Kiev asserts that the current agreements are seen as giving Moscow certain leverage.
In April, the head of the presidential administration, Andrei Yermak, and former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, published an action plan outlining additional sanctions against Russia. However, the plan notably called for maintaining the transit of Russian energy resources through Ukraine.
At the same time, it includes calls to suspend the operation of "all remaining gas pipeline routes controlled by Russia", as well as "stop direct supplies of Russian gas to Europe, except for transit through Ukraine".
