Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy has ruled out any commercial agreement that would permit the continued transit of Russian natural gas through Ukraine to Europe once the current arrangements expire at the end of 2024. In a Bloomberg interview, Energy Minister German Galushchenko stressed there is no viable solution on the table to extend gas transportation via Ukraine beyond the existing terms. He asserted plainly that a continuation under the present framework would not be feasible, adding the notion that Europe should not rely on Russian gas indefinitely or assume alternatives would always be available.
In another development, Dmitry Lippa, who heads the Ukrainian Gas Transmission System Operator, indicated that Kyiv stands ready to maintain gas pumping from Russia if European partners request it. This stance mirrors remarks made recently by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal, who underscored that Ukraine is prepared to cooperate to ensure supply security should there be a request from European counterparts. The dialogue emphasizes Kyiv’s willingness to engage, even as the government clarifies its position on policy and transit arrangements after 2024.
Earlier, analysts and experts considered the possible consequences for Europe in the event that Russian gas is no longer allowed to pass through Ukrainian territory. Those assessments weigh the implications for European energy prices, supply diversification efforts, and the broader strategic shift away from dependence on a single transit route. The evolving discussion reflects Ukraine’s central role in European energy security and the expectations of partners for clear and durable transit policies that can withstand political and market fluctuations.