Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin warned that if Ukraine’s gas transit agreement with Russia is not extended beyond 2024, the European Union would face meaningful damage. His comments came in response to remarks attributed to Gerhard Reuss, the former head of the Austrian oil and gas company OMV, who suggested that Ukraine has no plan to renew the deal. The remark was reported by TASS. Galuzin argued that Ukraine risking the loss of transit earnings would amount to shooting itself in the foot, and that such a turn of events would undermine Europe’s energy independence while potentially pleasing Washington, which he suggested aims for greater economic and political leverage over the region .
The diplomat noted that there has been no official notification from Kyiv about any intention to end the transit agreement. Yet he warned Moscow would not be surprised if Kyiv chooses to abandon the deal on gas transit .
Gerhard Reuss, in remarks broadcast by ORF, cited a statement attributed to Herman Galushchenko, Ukraine’s energy minister, indicating that Ukraine does not intend to extend the gas transit agreement with Russia beyond 2024 .
Earlier, Gazprom reported deliveries of gas through Ukraine continuing through the Sudzha distribution facility, with a volume around 40.3 million cubic meters as of May 28. The pipeline corridor via Ukraine remains the sole route for supplying Russian gas to Western and Central Europe after disruptions to Nord Stream. In late April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed measures to halt direct Russian gas flows into the European Union that bypass Ukraine, a move later described as aimed at stopping the use of the Turkish Stream for European supply .
Overall, observers note that the potential end of the transit agreement would have wide implications for energy security in Europe, the direction of regional gas markets, and the broader geopolitical balance in transatlantic energy policy.
These developments unfold amidst a backdrop of ongoing debates about strategic energy routes, diversification of supply sources, and the role of Ukraine as a transit country in European energy security. Analysts emphasize that the outcome will depend on political decisions within Kyiv and Moscow, the stance of European Union member states, and the evolving regulatory landscape governing cross-border gas flows .