Ukraine does not begin talks on Azerbaijani gas transit – Source
Photo: Negotiations on the transit of Azerbaijani gas have not yet begun (Getty Images)
Ukraine is currently not engaged in substantive negotiations regarding the transit of Azerbaijani gas to Moldova and other European countries, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing a source in the Ukrainian government.
"There are no substantive negotiations on this matter at the moment," the source said.
The Ministry of Energy of Moldova also did not confirm that talks were underway with Azerbaijan regarding the purchase of gas. They only stated that they were ready to consider any beneficial options.
"Through the state company Energocom, Moldova is looking for the most favorable contracts, including bilateral ones, to ensure the supply of natural gas at the best possible prices," the Ministry of Economy of Moldova informed RBC-Ukraine.
As previously reported, the Azerbaijani side raised the possibility of supplying gas via Ukraine during a meeting between the Presidents of the two countries, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ilham Aliyev.
The issue of Azerbaijani gas transit is being raised for the second time. Last year, the possibility of its supply to the EU through Russia and Ukraine was considered. However, the sides did not agree on this scheme, as there were doubts about whether Baku could independently supply the required volumes of gas without using Russian gas.
Ukraine's position is not to assist in generating revenue for Russia from gas sales.
Earlier, the European Commission stated that it will continue negotiations with Ukraine regarding natural gas supplies to Europe and will include Hungary and Slovakia in these discussions.
Budapest is also expected to make concessions regarding the continuation of sanctions against Russia in exchange for a statement from the European Commission addressing Hungary's concerns about "energy security."
