Russia stops gas transfer through Ukraine causing European crisis?
The head of the Ukrainian company Naftogaz Andrei Kobolev said that Russia could completely stop gas transit through Ukraine to cause a crisis in Europe. Energy security expert Igor Yushkov talks about who is behind this statement.
“The Russians are doing everything possible to not get a contract, to intimidate Europe. The gas crisis is the main tool they use in such situations. It is important that the Ukrainian nation prepares for this winter to the maximum, so that we have additional gas reserves,” Andrei Kobolev said.
Igor Yushkov, an expert from the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation and a leading analyst at the National Energy Security Fund, commented on this statement in an interview with Sputnik.
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| Russia may stop gas transit through Ukraine |
"While both Russia and Europe are advocating signing an agreement at the trilateral talks, Kiev increasingly frequently states that it has no intention of signing any documents and must prepare for the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, etc.
This shows that the current Ukrainian government deliberately maintains such a position. Their position benefits only one side - the United States, because it will lead to a shortage of gas on the market.
And if Kiev is preventing the conclusion of a new contract, it is necessary for the Americans: gas will be sold at a higher price on the European market, and American liquefied gas suppliers will make a higher profit when exporting gas to Europe," said Igor Yushkov.
Ukraine also benefits from gas transit, he noted.
"From an economic point of view, Ukraine needs the gas transit system. Because if gas transit is stopped, there will be no money for gas transit fees, and most importantly, Ukraine will not be able to use the pipelines of Slovakia, Poland and Hungary to supply gas back to Ukraine, because there will simply be no gas in those pipelines.
So this story is amazing, in my opinion, the influence of third countries in this story is very large. Hopefully, after the second round of the Ukrainian presidential election on April 21, the composition of the leadership of the Ministry of Energy and Naftogaz will change, and the new people will take a more constructive position," Igor Yushkov concluded.
