Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmigal reminded the completion of the agreement between Ukraine and Russia on gas transit, which expires on January 1, 2025. Ukraine does not plan to continue this agreement, but remains open for transportation of gas of other countries through its gas transportation system.
Shmigal stated this after talking to his Slovak colleague Robert Fitzo, stressing that Ukraine is ready to fulfill its obligations under the Association Agreement with the EU.
"If the European Commission officially appeals to Ukraine for the transit of any gas except Russian, we will, of course, discuss it and are ready to implement appropriate agreements on the basis of the principles of energy security of both the EU and every European nation," Smigal said.
The prime minister also stressed that Europe's energy security is a priority for Ukraine, especially in the winter period, when the risks of energy supply disruptions are increasing.
At the same time, Schmigal emphasized the need to preserve and strengthen the sanction pressure on the Russian energy sector. He noted the importance of the 15th package of sanctions of the European Union, which is directed, in particular, against the "shadow tanker fleet", which allows Russia to earn significant profits to finance the war.
"The sanction pressure against the Russian energy sector should be continued, it is one of the key elements of Russia's coercion to a real peace," added the head of the Ukrainian government.
Thus, Ukraine clearly demonstrates its willingness to promote Europe's energy security while increasing economic pressure on Russia in response to its aggressive policy.
