Ukraine sets security condition for gas supplies to EU
Ukraine sets security condition for gas supplies to EU (Getty Images)
Ukraine has put forward a security condition for Azerbaijan and Slovakia regarding the continuation of gas supplies through its territory, citing RBC-Ukraine coverage "Transit rejection: Ukraine proposes new gas supply scheme to Europe".
Such supplies will only be possible if Azerbaijan or Slovakia reaches an agreement with Russia to prevent attacks on gas transport infrastructure.
Currently, consultations on the extension of gas supplies to the EU after 2024 are not being actively pursued, with Azerbaijan having been absent from discussions for several months.
"I think Baku’s near-total inactivity on the issue is related to Russia’s stance, as it will inevitably play a role in the process," suggested one source.
The topic has not yet been extensively discussed with Slovakia.
As reported by RBC-Ukraine, Ukraine has proposed a new gas supply scheme through its territory to the European Union for both Slovakia and Azerbaijan. This plan involves the storage of gas in Ukrainian underground facilities with subsequent delivery to Slovakia or other countries. Consequently, such supplies would be considered re-export rather than transit. However, so far, only consultations on this proposal have taken place.
Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's gas storage facilities, particularly in the west, damaging surface components of underground gas storage (UGS). This has raised concerns among gas traders and led to rising prices in Europe, despite UGS being located deep underground.
