**Ukraine Halts Russian Gas Transit to Europe: An End of an Era?**

Wed Apr 02 2025 07:16:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
**Ukraine Halts Russian Gas Transit to Europe: An End of an Era?**

Ukraine's decision to terminate Russian gas transit to Europe on the expiration of a five-year deal raises significant geopolitical tensions and energy implications for the continent.


Ukraine's move against Russian gas transit comes amidst rising tensions in the region, as several EU states grapple with energy dependence and strategic alignments.


Ukraine's gas transit operator Naftogaz has announced the cessation of Russian gas supplies to Europe, marking a pivotal shift in the energy landscape on the continent. This termination coincides with the expiration of a five-year agreement with Russia's Gazprom, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the nation's refusal to allow Russia to profit from its resources and ongoing conflict. The EU has witnessed a significant reduction in Russian gas imports since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022; however, certain eastern European member states remain reliant on these supplies.

Currently, Russian gas constitutes less than 10% of the EU's imports, a dramatic decrease from 40% in 2021. Countries like Slovakia and Austria continue to import reasonable amounts, with Slovakia now becoming the primary entry point for Russian gas into the EU following Ukraine's withdrawal. The Slovakian Prime Minister, Robert Fico, made recent overtures to Russia, threatening to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine in a move that has drawn accusations from Zelensky of collusion with the Kremlin.

Poland has voiced its readiness to back Ukraine in any potential energy fallout from Slovakian actions, considering Ukraine's precarious energy situation due to ongoing Russian attacks on its infrastructure. Moldova, reliant on gas-fired power supplies fed from Ukraine, faces immediate concerns over power stability; its energy minister has urged citizens to conserve energy amid a state of emergency.

The cessation of the Ukrainian gas transit route signifies the potential end to a historical era of Russian energy supply to Europe, established in 1991. With Ukrainian supplies halted, the TurkStream pipeline through the Black Sea stands as the last avenue for Russian gas export to Europe. Meanwhile, the EU has proactively sought energy diversification strategies, bolstering its capacity through alternative sources such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar and the U.S. to reduce reliance on Russian supply.

In response to the impending transition, the European Commission detailed contingency plans to manage supply disruptions, focusing on optimizing existing gas routes and securing resources from other regions, indicating a readiness to cope with the evolving energy crisis resulting from the geopolitical climate in Eastern Europe.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:02:15 GMT

The Impending Uncertainty of Trump's 'Liberation Day' Tariffs

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:02:15 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:54:54 GMT

Tragic Loss: Body of Fourth Missing US Soldier Recovered in Lithuania

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:54:54 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:50:54 GMT

The Impending 'Liberation Day' Tariffs: A Double-Edged Sword for U.S. Alliances

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:50:54 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:13:45 GMT

Search Efforts Conclude with Discovery of Fourth Missing Soldier in Lithuania

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:13:45 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:17:37 GMT

Speculation Grows Over Potential Elections in Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:17:37 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:15:36 GMT

Russia Initiates Largest Military Draft in Over a Decade Amid Ongoing Conflict

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:15:36 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:18:00 GMT

Could Ukraine Hold Elections Amid War?

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:18:00 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:14:36 GMT

Russia and US Maintain Communication Amid Trump's Criticism of Putin

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:14:36 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:21:28 GMT

Search Continues for Missing Soldier in Lithuanian Military Tragedy

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:21:28 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:10:04 GMT

Kremlin Responds to Trump’s Anger Over Putin’s Statements

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:10:04 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:01:06 GMT

Putin's Stubbornness Impedes Peace Efforts Amid U.S. Frustration

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:01:06 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 07:27:43 GMT

Germany Shifts Military Stance: A New Era of Defense and Preparedness

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 07:27:43 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:13:53 GMT

Unveiling Ukraine's War Partnership: A Critical Analysis of America’s Role

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:13:53 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 19:27:28 GMT

Trump Expresses Frustration with Putin Amid Ceasefire Talks

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 19:27:28 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 09:07:57 GMT

U.S. Firms Rally Behind Trump's Tariff Strategy Amid Trade Disparities**

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 09:07:57 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 04:18:56 GMT

New Insights into America's Covert Military Support for Ukraine

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 04:18:56 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:32:40 GMT

Balancing Trade: America's Tariff Conundrum Amidst Presidential Proposals

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:32:40 GMT
Sat, 29 Mar 2025 23:54:20 GMT

Tragic Drone Attack in Dnipro: Responding to Escalating Conflict in Ukraine

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 23:54:20 GMT
Sat, 29 Mar 2025 15:55:41 GMT

Polish Presidential Candidate Faces Ridicule Over Literary Deception

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 15:55:41 GMT
Sat, 29 Mar 2025 04:55:16 GMT

Dnipro Drone Assault: Casualties Rise in Recent Russian Attack

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 04:55:16 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.