Ukraine has taken the significant step of halting Russian gas supplies to European customers passing through the country, following the expiration of a prewar transit deal at the end of last year. This move comes almost three years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizing that Kyiv will not allow Moscow to profit from the transit at the expense of Ukrainian lives.
Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko confirmed the decision, citing national security interests. The halt marks a historic event, with Russia losing markets and facing financial losses. Europe, already moving to phase out Russian gas, aligns with Ukraine's actions.
Russia's Gazprom stated it has no legal means to send gas through Ukraine due to Kyiv's refusal to extend the deal. Before the war, Russia supplied nearly 40% of the EU's pipeline natural gas through various routes, including Ukraine.
Following the war's onset, Russia cut off most supplies through other pipelines, causing an energy crisis in Europe. Germany invested in LNG terminals, while Norway and the U.S. became major gas suppliers. Europe aims to eliminate Russian gas imports by 2027.
Ukraine's transit route served EU members like Austria and Slovakia, which have diversified gas supplies. Moldova, heavily reliant on Russian gas, faces challenges amid the supply halt and a debt dispute with Gazprom.
Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski hailed Ukraine's move as a victory against Russian energy blackmail. Moscow can still supply gas to Hungary, Turkey, and Serbia through alternative pipelines.
The energy sector remains a critical geopolitical battleground, impacting electricity generation, industrial processes, and residential heating. The gas supply halt coincided with a drone strike on Kyiv, underscoring the ongoing tensions in the region.
