After the conclusion of the gas transit contract with Russia, Ukraine will not hold negotiations on its extension, said the Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Galushchenko in an interview with the Voice of America Ukrainian service. published on 16 August.
The contract, which provides for the transit of Russian gas to Europe through the territory of Ukraine, expires next year, and its extension will depend on whether Europe can do without Russian gas, the minister said. Galushchenko expressed hope that next year Europe will be able to diversify supplies and will not need Russian gas at all.
He emphasized that he considers it obvious that Ukraine will not enter into negotiations with the Russian side on this issue.
"Firstly, we will definitely not be a party to the negotiations with the Russians, and this is absolutely obvious, and secondly, I think that the next year will be indicative from the point of view of the possibility of Europe functioning without Russian gas at all. I see all the prerequisites for this to happen," said the minister.
He recalled the statement of European Commissioner Kadra Simson that Europe seeks to get rid of Russian gas altogether.
The minister also noted that it is too early to predict what will happen next year due to Russia's unpredictable aggressive policy.
"We are dealing with the Russians - they can terminate this contract any day. It is absolutely obvious that this is not related to legal formalities," Galushchenko added.
This winter, however, Ukraine can play a significant role in ensuring the stability of the gas market in Europe, the minister noted. Despite the war, European companies continue to store gas in Ukrainian gas storage facilities, and this trend, according to the minister, will only grow.
"I am sure that the next month will only increase the volume of gas injection, which means that Ukraine is a reliable partner even during the war. Secondly, it is that Ukraine is able to guarantee security of supply for Europe, and this is important," the minister added.
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