“I don’t understand that logic.” The ex-head of Naftogaz told what is wrong with the transit of Russian oil through Ukraine

Ex-head of the board of NAK Naftogaz Andriy Kobolev stated this in an interview with Radio NV. “There is no difference between oil and gas, and transit must be stopped. This is a financial resource that Russia receives to finance its military industry, so it must be closed. No need to make exceptions. I rather fall into the camp of hawks who believe that war and martial law give us the opportunity to ignore certain contractual requirements, if there are any, and require something to continue,” said Kobolev.

Speaking about when there will be an agreement on the transportation of Russian oil, Kobolev noted: “This is already a matter of principle. Our American partners have taken tough measures against Russian oil in the world, which will also affect their domestic market and will most likely raise oil prices. This means that we should do the same with Russian oil.”

At the same time, speaking about why Ukraine does not stop the transit of Russian oil, Kobolev emphasized: “I do not understand this logic. The explanations I hear in the public sphere do not seem serious enough.”

It was previously reported that the Verkhovna Rada registered draft law No. 12380 on banning the transit of Russian oil and gas through the territory of Ukraine during martial law.

Deputies also registered draft resolution No. 12381 with an appeal to the Cabinet of Ministers to take urgent measures to stop the transit of Russian oil in the interests of protecting Ukraine’s national security. The draft law provides for a direct ban on the transit of Russian oil through the territory of Ukraine by all types of transport infrastructure, in particular the Druzhba oil pipeline. The Government of Ukraine must develop a mechanism and schedule for the complete cessation of transit within three months from the moment of the adoption of the law.

Exceptions are possible only for the fulfillment of international obligations or EU decisions. The resolution obliges the government to develop and submit a plan to stop transit within 30 days from the moment of adoption of the resolution; carry out an assessment of the economic, social and environmental consequences for Ukraine and submit a report; coordinate steps with international partners to avoid negative diplomatic or economic consequences.

However, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said that stopping the transit of Russian oil through the territory of Ukraine to European countries would be a violation of the Energy Charter Treaty and the Association Agreement with the EU, and would also lead to fines.