Ukraine can swiftly sign a contract and establish gas transit from Azerbaijan once it receives a positive signal from Europe.
This was stated by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, on January 25 during a press conference with his Moldovan counterpart, Maia Sandu.
Changes in the volume of Russian gas transit through UkraineThe transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to Europe over the years – as illustrated in the infographic. Ukraine does not plan to extend the contract after it expires in 2024.Zelensky had previously discussed the issue of Azerbaijani gas transit with the country's leader, Ilham Aliyev. According to the Ukrainian president, Azerbaijan produces about 40 billion cubic meters of gas annually, while it consumes only 14-15 billion cubic meters. The country also has significant export potential.
“The export capacity is 25 billion cubic meters. We can utilize our infrastructure if countries in Europe need gas, but not Russian gas,” Zelensky emphasized.
The president noted that Ukraine has never refused the opportunity to transport Azerbaijani gas across its territory, but it will not agree to resume the transit of Russian fuel.
“We will not allow Russians to profit. But allowing Azerbaijanis to profit? With pleasure. Helping the Slovaks? With pleasure. That is what we can do quickly. We can sign a contract and set things up quickly when we hear signals from people in Tiraspol, from people in Slovakia, and from other countries in Europe,” he summarized.
It is worth noting that Russian gas transit through Ukraine was completely halted on January 1.
As early as July 2024, Zelensky reported that Ukraine was negotiating gas supplies from Azerbaijan to the European Union to maintain its role as a transit country and assist its western neighbors in ensuring energy security.
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