Russia extends gas transit with Ukraine for another year
Speaking to reporters, Minister Novak affirmed: "We have proposed to our colleagues to extend the current contract for another year under current conditions."
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| Illustration photo: Reuters |
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on July 26 that Moscow has proposed extending the gas transit agreement with Ukraine for another year.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Novak affirmed: "We have proposed to our colleagues to extend the current contract for another year under current conditions."
Most of Russia’s gas to Europe currently passes through Ukraine. The current agreement between Moscow and Kiev expires at the end of this year. However, differences of opinion mean the two sides are still hesitating on whether to extend it.
Ukraine wants to ensure it maintains its role as Russia's main gas transit route, while Moscow seeks to increase its gas transport capacity to Europe through the NordStream 2 and TurkStream projects.
In addition, Russia and Ukraine's disagreement over the Crimean Peninsula, the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and most recently Kiev's seizure of the Russian oil tanker Neyma are also considered factors that make it difficult for the two countries to soon reach an agreement to extend the contract.
According to Minister Novak, the three-way gas negotiations between Russia, the EU and Ukraine will take place from mid-September, after Ukraine holds parliamentary elections./.
