EU not interested in extending agreement to import Russian gas transited through Ukraine
(Baonghean.vn) - RT news agency reported on February 16 that Senator Sergei Tsekov, a member of the International Committee of the Russian Federation Council, called the European Union's (EU) statement about "living without Russian gas" meaningless.
“Europe will never be able to function without Russian gas and other Russian energy sources in general. Everyone understands that this is absolutely true,” said Senator Sergei Tsekov.
Earlier, on February 15, European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson informed Ukraine that the EU was not interested in extending the agreement to transport Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine, which will expire at the end of 2024. The European Commission also promised to resolve the issue of countries buying gas from Russia transiting through Ukraine.
"We have learned to live without Russian gas. There is no turning back now. The EU is not interested in extending the agreement that ends this year," said European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson.
Kadri Simson's announcement means the EU is expected to stop importing gas from Russia transiting through Ukraine by the end of 2024.
During talks with Ukrainian officials, Ms Simson stressed that EU member states are filling gas storage facilities and trying to diversify their energy supplies.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak noted that Russia is not negotiating gas transit through Ukraine with Brussels or Kiev.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal also told Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico that Kiev has no plans to extend the agreement on Russian gas transit to Europe, which is set to expire at the end of 2024.
However, Ukraine risks losing billions of dollars in revenue from transit fees for Russian gas to Europe.
Kiev is determined to maintain the transit of Russian oil and gas through Ukrainian territory.
May 24, 2023 16:20