EU 'ready' for end of Russian-Ukrainian gas transit agreement

The European Union is prepared to do without Russian gas imports transported through Ukraine after the current transit agreement expires at the end of the year, EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said on Wednesday.

The contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, which has been upheld despite the ongoing war, ends on December 31.

Despite far-reaching economic sanctions, some EU countries still buy gas from Moscow.

Russian supplies currently account for 18% of gas imports to the EU, down from 45% in 2021, Simson said.

Preparations for the end of the deal started months ago and alternative supply routes have been found, she stated.

There is "no need ... to prolong trade with Gazprom," the commissioner said, adding that Brussels was assisting companies with long-term contracts with the Russian state-owned gas company to find other suppliers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated last week that Moscow was prepared to continue gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine.

Kiev however said it does not intend to prolong the agreement with Russia, but could possibly allow the transit of gas from Central Asia or Azerbaijan.

The other ways Russian gas reaches the bloc is either through Turkey or by sea in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Simson said.

In 2023, Norway and the United States were the EU's top gas suppliers followed by Russia, according to EU figures. Other large suppliers included North African countries, the UK and Qatar.