Ukraine may consider allowing Russian gas transit if Moscow doesn’t make payments during the conflict

Ukraine may contemplate the ongoing transit of Russian gas, provided that Moscow does not receive payment for the fuel until after the conflict concludes, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Thursday.

Previously, Ukraine has dismissed the possibility of extending its contract for the transit of Russian gas to Europe, which is set to expire at the end of the year. Slovakia, one of the gas recipients, is actively seeking to extend the agreement.

“We will not extend the transit of Russian gas. We refuse to allow additional billions to be profited from our suffering and the lives of our citizens,” Zelenskiy remarked during a news conference at a European Union summit in Brussels. However, he noted, “If a country is willing to provide us with gas but defer payments to Russia until the war is over, then that is a potential option we can consider.”

The European Commission has indicated its readiness for the contract’s expiration, and all nations receiving Russian gas through Ukraine have access to alternative sources. Zelenskiy criticized Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has expressed concerns about the economic impact on his country if it loses access to inexpensive Russian gas. “Honestly, during wartime, discussing financial matters feels somewhat inappropriate, as we are losing lives,” Zelenskiy stated.

He also mentioned that he informed Fico that Ukraine would be open to transporting gas from another country through its infrastructure to Europe, but it would require guarantees that this gas is not simply rebranded Russian fuel. “We must ensure that we will only transit gas that does not originate from Russia,” Zelenskiy emphasized.