Putin's Commitment to European Gas Supplies Amid Ukraine Transit Uncertainty

President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia intends to continue gas transit through Ukraine to the EU, even though the transit agreement expires at the end of this year. Despite the uncertainty, he emphasized that Gazprom aims to fulfill its obligations to European customers. If Ukraine refuses transit, alternative routes like TurkStream will be used.

President Vladimir Putin declared on Thursday that Russia remains committed to maintaining gas transit via Ukraine to the European Union, despite the upcoming expiration of the existing transit agreement.

During a statement, Putin underlined that both Russia and Gazprom intend to meet their contractual obligations to European clients, even though hostility levels remain high. He stressed, however, that Moscow cannot force Kyiv to extend the transit terms beyond December 31 of this year.

The main consumer countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, rely heavily on this gas supply, brought through Ukraine's network. Should Ukraine decline the transit, Russia plans to route gas via the TurkStream pipeline under the Black Sea.

(With inputs from agencies.)