State Duma (Russian lower house of parliament) deputy representing Crimea Mikhail Sheremet said that Ukraine's decision to stop transporting Moscow's natural gas through its territory was a "shock" to European Union (EU) countries.
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| The agreement on natural gas transit through Ukraine between Russia's Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogaz officially expired. (Source: Intellinews) |
"By deciding to leave EU industries without gas, Mr. Zelensky has 'repaid the kindness' of his European partners, destroying the economies of these countries. The Kiev government's decision to stop the transport is a shock to the bloc's countries," Sheremet stressed.
The agreement on natural gas transit through Ukraine between Russia's Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogaz was signed on December 30, 2019 and expires after five years - on the last day of 2024.
According to the document, gas supplies under the agreement must end at 8:00 a.m. Moscow time on January 1.
Previously, the Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly stated that they have no plans to extend the transit agreement.
* The New York Times reported that after Moscow launched a special military campaign in Kiev, three EU member states, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia, continued to buy large amounts of energy from Russia.
With the decision to stop extending the gas deal, these countries are said to be the most damaged.
To cope with the difficulties, the Austrian government said in a statement on January 1 that it had prepared in advance and found suppliers outside Russia.
OMV - the Austrian energy company - announced that it had terminated its contract with Gazprom and was "well positioned" with alternative sources.
Hungary, which intervened to keep the Ukrainian gas pipeline from being shut down, continues to receive most of its Russian gas via the separate TurkStream pipeline.
As for Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico has a friendly relationship with Mr Putin and the country is heavily dependent on Russian gas. Mr Fico has threatened to cut off electricity supplies in retaliation against Ukraine if it does not renew its gas transit agreement.
Meanwhile, Slovakia's Economy Minister said the country will not face a gas shortage.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nghi-si-ha-vien-nga-noi-tong-thong-ukraine-lay-oan-den-on-chau-au-hungary-van-mua-khi-dot-moscow-qua-duong-ong-dac-biet-299461.html
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