Ukraine declares readiness to terminate gas transit contract with Russia
(Baonghean.vn) - In an interview with ICTV, the Ukrainian Energy Minister announced that the country is ready to terminate the gas transportation contract with Russia. This move is considered to mark a new turning point in the new gas "war" between Russia and Ukraine.
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| Workers inspect gas pipelines in Ukraine. Photo: Ria Novosti |
According to Alexei Orzhel, Minister of Energy of Ukraine, a record amount of green fuel has been pumped into Ukrainian facilities. This allows Kiev to go through the cold winter "without any other means of transportation". Currently, the amount of gas in Ukrainian storage areas is 21.7 billion cubic meters.
"If we talk about gas, I, as a person directly involved in the negotiations on concluding transit agreements, can confirm that we are ready to stop transit through the territory of Ukraine," said Mr. Orzhel.
The Energy Ministry also noted that Ukraine does not rule out prioritizing the signing of new gas transit agreements. Transit fees are also an important source of income for Ukraine. Thanks to this gas transportation, Ukraine earns about 3 million USD/year.
Minister Orzhel said that Kiev is actively working with European partners to conclude the "Third Energy Package" agreement, which would force gas suppliers to compete with each other when accessing Ukrainian territory.
Currently, contracts on gas transit and fuel supplies between Russia and Ukraine will expire at the end of 2019. Moscow claims that the extension of the transit period will only take place when mutual "claims" on the gas dispute need to be neutralized.
For its part, Russia has agreed to consider the possibility of concluding a new contract on European terms, if the Ukrainian government adopts relevant policies and laws. Trilateral consultations have been held, but so far no positive results have been recorded.
