Among the topics of EU negotiations with Zelenskyi is gas transit – Bloomberg

The leaders of the European Union intend to discuss with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels, among other topics, the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, reports Bloomberg, writes UNN.

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Asked whether there is a chance to extend the agreement on gas transit through Ukraine beyond this year, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulidis told reporters: “This is one of the issues we will discuss with President Zelensky.” Negotiations to keep the transit have been going on for several months, and now the buyers are increasing the pressure and the discussions are getting more intense, the newspaper notes.

The main question, it is noted, is whether the Russian Federation and Ukraine will be able to agree on terms acceptable to both sides, against the background of how tensions are increasing. While a renewal is unlikely because Ukraine has said it does not want Russian gas to continue flowing through its territory after the current deal expires, possible alternatives involving fuel swaps and other intermediaries are being discussed.

“Realistically, no,” Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said in response to the same question about the possibility of continuing gas transit through Ukraine after this year.

Meanwhile, the Austrian government is aware of efforts by Slovakia – one of the countries still dependent on Russian gas – to continue transit through Ukraine, but is not aware of any agreement ready to be signed, said Jürgen Schneider, head of the energy department of the Austrian Ministry of Energy.

Gas in Europe is getting cheaper amid Slovakia’s announcements about a “solution” for transit through Ukraine – BloombergDecember 18 2024, 15:12 • 19087 views