Russian spokesman Dmitriy Peskov voiced concerns on Friday over impending natural gas logistic changes, following Ukraine's decision not to renew the transit agreement for Russian gas.
Speaking to reporters in St. Petersburg, Peskov highlighted the looming uncertainties about the future routes of natural gas shipments to Europe post-2024.
Ukraine’s decision to discontinue its role as a transit country for Russian gas after the current agreement ends has raised difficult questions about the continuity and stability of Europe's gas supply.
'The primary issue here is the alternative pathways for the natural gas to reach Europe,' Peskov said.
He stressed the complexities and blockages of alternative routes, including those connecting to Türkiye, and the increasing demand for liquefied natural gas.
Peskov’s remarks come on the heels of a statement from the Ukrainian Council of Ministers confirming that the agreements facilitating the flow of Russian natural gas through Ukraine will not be extended beyond 2024.
This decision marks a significant shift in the region's energy dynamics, given that Ukraine has been a key transit route for Russian gas to Europe.
Data released by the Ukrainian administration shows a significant decrease in the volume of Russian gas transported to Europe via Ukraine. By the end of 2023, this figure had dropped to 14.6 billion cubic meters, down by 28.4% compared to 2022.
The existing transit agreement, signed on Dec. 30, 2019, between Ukraine's Naftogaz and Russia's Gazprom, was set to facilitate the transfer of 40 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Europe via Ukraine from 2021 to 2024.
By Sibel Morrow
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr