Impact of Ukraine’s Decision to Halt Russian Gas Transit
As of January 1, Ukraine has ceased the transportation of Russian natural gas through its territory, as previously warned. This decision has significant implications for various European countries that rely on this supply.
Preparations for Zero Transit Mode
The Ukrainian gas transportation system has been prepared to operate in zero transit mode, ensuring a reliable gas supply to Ukrainian consumers. The company’s team is ready to work under the new conditions, which involve ensuring gas supply to Ukraine and through Ukraine to European consumers.
Strained Relationships with European Partners
The cutoff of Russian gas supplies through Ukraine has strained relationships with some European partners, particularly Slovakia. The Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, threatened Kiev with reciprocal measures if the transit of gas was interrupted.
Affected Countries
The Ukrainian gas pipeline system previously allowed Gazprom to export gas to Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova. The transit contract earned Ukraine around $700 million annually. However, Ukraine has decided not to allow Moscow to “earn additional billions” while continuing its aggression against Ukraine.
Consequences for Moldova
The cutoff of Russian gas transit through Ukraine significantly affects Moldova, which declared an energy emergency for 60 days on the 13th. The country’s only thermoelectric plant runs on gas from Russia. The situation is even more serious in the breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria, which depends exclusively on Russian gas.