“The desire of some European politicians to restore Russian gas to Europe is contrary to the US intentions to reduce oil and gas prices.”, – WRITE: www.ukrinform.ua
The desire of some European politicians to restore Russian gas to Europe is contrary to the US intentions to reduce oil and gas prices.
The diplomat noted that in Europe there were always forces, especially in business collies, interested in restoring the transit of Russian gas, so according to his forecast, such “initiatives or wishes” will appear again. At the same time, according to some, Europe should focus on how to diversify gas supply and how to establish good relations with the US in the energy sphere.
“The only way to actually seriously hit Russia is to impose sanctions and hit the energy component of the Russian economy. Trump made relevant statements about these intentions. I think trying to restore Russian gas to Europe is a counterweight to reduce the price of oil and gas. It is not only a commercial but a political struggle, ”the exponent of Ukraine said.
He noted that Germany and Hungary are the most active in the restoration of Russian gas transit to Europe.
In this context, the diplomat noted that it is not clear how Orban would “sit on two chairs, because he seems to be a good relationship with Trump and Putin.”
“But, as the practice of recent days shows, it is still possible to agree with Orban, especially if the US supports Ukraine and the EU’s position, because the last decision to continue sanctions (against Russia – ed.) Was also made for also Hungary’s participation, ”the former ambassador of Ukraine to Poland reminded.
Read also: Fitzo was unable to fly on ‘gasand negotiations ”to Brussels because of a failure in the airline system As reported by Ukrinform, Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban threatened to veto the continuation of the European Union sanctions against Russia in half a year, unless Russian gas transit through the territory of Ukraine is not restored by that time.
Viceremier-Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine-Minister of Justice Olga Stephanyshyn during communication with the press in Brussels stated that Ukraine is ready to consider working with European operators on gas transit to the EU, but it is the European Commission that it should decide whether it is. Transit is needed to the European side and whether it is ready to provide it.
The transit contract for the transportation of Russian gas to Europe through the GTS of Ukraine ended on December 31, 2024. This event provoked a tumultuous reaction of the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo, who, on December 27 last year, threatened with his trip to Moscow in response to Ukraine’s termination of Russian gas transit.
The official representatives of the European Commission have confirmed that the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine did not become an unexpected event for the EU and did not affect the EU’s energy security or its individual Member States.
During his visit, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine Sandu said that Ukraine is ready, in agreement with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, to transport gas from Azerbaijan through Ukraine for European consumers, in particular, in Eastern Europe. At the same time, Zelensky emphasized that there will be no extension of the Russian gas export contract.