The Complexity of Russian Gas Transit Through Ukraine

Half of Russia's natural gas exports to Europe pass through Ukraine, with the other half via Turkstream under the Black Sea. The Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline is crucial for these exports, with 14.65 bcm supplied via Sudzha in 2023. The transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine expires in 2024, with no plans for renewal.

Russia continues to export about half of its natural gas to Europe through Ukraine, while the remaining exports traverse via Turkstream under the Black Sea.

Gazprom plays a pivotal role, supplying around 42 million cubic metres of gas daily to Europe via Ukraine. The essential Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline channels gas through Sudzha in the Kursk region, the last operational trans-shipping point for Russian gas to Western and Central Europe.

With 14.65 billion cubic metres of gas supplied via Sudzha in 2023, this route remains critical. The Ukrainian corridor, facilitating gas transit towards Slovakia, sees increased activity, highlighting Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria as key buyers. However, the 2019 transit agreement between Moscow and Kyiv, expiring in 2024, shows no signs of renewal, potentially complicating future gas exports.

(With inputs from agencies.)