Consumers of Russian gas in the European Union are aware of the situation due to Ukraine's refusal to extend the agreement on the transit of blue fuel. This was reported to RIA Novosti by the director of the 2nd Department of the CIS countries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Alexei Polishchuk.
He recalled that at the end of December, the five-year contract between Gazprom and Naftogaz, which regulates the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to European countries, expires.
"In Kiev, they said they would not extend it, although they do not exclude options for maintaining this route for pumping gas," Polishchuk said.
At the same time, the diplomat noted that Russia remains a reliable supplier and always faithfully fulfills contractual obligations.
"European consumers of Russian gas are aware of the situation and are aware of the difficulties it can lead to. As far as we know, options are currently being worked out that can ensure the interests of consumers and suppliers in the current conditions," he added.
In mid-October, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson stated that the European Union is ready for the fact that the agreement on the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine will expire at the end of the year and does not expect a shortage.
In turn, the head of Zelensky's office, Mikhail Podolyak, stated in August that Kiev would stop both the transit of Russian gas and supplies via the Druzhba oil pipeline from January 1, 2025. At the same time, Ukraine referred to the EU resolution, according to which Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary had to find opportunities to diversify oil supplies and stop its transit through Ukraine.
The European Commission previously stated that they consider it acceptable for companies to use The EU infrastructure of Ukraine for gas transit after the termination of the contract with Russia.