For 56 years, natural gas from the Soviet Union, and later Russia, flowed through Ukraine to Europe. That era officially ended today. Russian energy giant Gazprom announced the complete cessation of gas deliveries to Europe via Ukrainian territory. This decision took effect on Wednesday morning as the long-standing transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine expired. Slovakian transmission system operator Eustream confirmed the halt in gas flows.
Ukraine opted not to renew the transit agreement, citing national security concerns. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko called the move a “historic step,” while President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would not contribute to funding Russian aggression, which has inflicted immense human and material costs.
International Reactions
The end of gas transit through Ukraine has sparked widespread international reactions. Experts predict significant consequences for Europe’s energy landscape, particularly for countries heavily reliant on Russian gas. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that the cessation of gas transit through Ukraine would have “drastic effects” on all European Union countries, except Russia.
Former Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also weighed in, posting a scathing opinion on the X platform:
Putin spent billions building Nordstream to circumvent Ukraine and blackmail Eastern Europe with the threat of cutting off gas supplies. Today Ukraine cut off his ability to export gas direct to the EU. Another victory after the enlargement of NATO by Finland and Sweden.
The European Union: Prepared for the Shift
The European Commission issued a statement affirming that the EU was prepared for this development. A Commission spokesperson noted that Europe’s gas infrastructure is flexible enough to ensure supply from alternative sources.
“FOR OVER A YEAR, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON SCENARIOS ACCOUNTING FOR THE LACK OF RUSSIAN GAS TRANSIT THROUGH UKRAINE”
said Olof Gill, spokesperson for the European Commission.
According to Gill, the impact on the EU’s energy security will be limited thanks to alternative supply routes.
Challenges in Transnistria
In Transnistria, a separatist region in Moldova, severe heating issues have been reported. The largest city, Tiraspol, has lost heating and hot water due to the lack of gas supply. Local energy companies urged residents to dress warmly and rely on alternative heating methods, such as electric heaters.
While Moldova itself no longer uses Russian gas, the pro-Russian breakaway region remains entirely dependent on it. The disruption highlights escalating regional tensions and the complexities of an unresolved gas debt dispute between Russia and Moldova.
Russia claims Moldova owes $709 million for gas deliveries, while Moldova, citing a 2023 audit, insists the debt is only $8.6 million. These discrepancies further strain relations between the two countries and could influence the future of energy supplies in the region.
Source: Manager Plus
