Ukraine Ends Russian Gas Transit to Europe, Confirms Shmyhal
- Ukraine will not renew its gas transit agreement with Russia after it expires at the end of the year.
- The decision is part of a strategy to impose sanctions on Russian infrastructure and reduce its financial resources for military operations.
- This move reflects a commitment to energy security and cooperation with Slovakia, aiming to diversify energy supplies in Eastern Europe.
On October 7, 2024, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that Ukraine will not renew its gas transit agreement with Russia once it expires at the end of the year. This decision aligns with Ukraine's strategic goal to impose sanctions on Russian infrastructure and reduce the Kremlin's financial resources for its military operations. Shmyhal emphasized the importance of disconnecting from Russian gas and called for a gradual diversification of energy supplies among European countries. He also expressed gratitude to Slovakia for its energy support, highlighting ongoing projects like the Mukachevo-Veľké Kapušany electrical connector, which aims to enhance energy cooperation between the two nations by 2028. Additionally, discussions included improvements to transport infrastructure, such as the Uzhhorod-Vyšné Nemecké border crossing, which is being upgraded to accommodate more vehicles. This collaboration reflects a broader effort to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on Russian energy sources in Eastern Europe.