Energy Minister Halushchenko: Russian gas transit is likely to end in 2024

In 2024, the Ukraine-Russia gas transit agreement will expire. It is unlikely that Ukraine will extend it. 

Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said this in an interview with the Financial Times. 

The Soyuz gas pipeline runs through Ukraine. It runs from the Orenburg field in Russia to Ukraine's border with Central and Eastern Europe.

In 2019, Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement on gas transit through this route. This was facilitated by the European Union. 

Despite the full-scale invasion, gas continues to be transported to the EU via this route. For example, in May 2023, about half of the gas imported by Austria came through Ukrainian territory. In contrast, the share in Slovakia was 95%. Overall, 5% of all European imports transit through Ukraine.

"I really can’t imagine how it [extend the contract - ed.] could be bilaterally," said Halushchenko. Ukraine is preparing its gas transmission system for a cut of supplies. 

At the same time, Halushchenko hinted that European politicians might want to extend the contract. The European Commission declined to comment.