Gazprom's Gas Halt: End of an Era in Russian-European Energy Transit

Gazprom has ceased gas exports to Europe via Ukraine after its transit deal expired. This marks the end of a historically contentious relationship since Crimea's annexation in 2014. The EU has been seeking energy alternatives amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Ukraine has refused to renew the transit agreement.

Russia's energy titan Gazprom announced the cessation of gas exports via Ukraine to Europe, starting 08:00 Moscow time (0500 GMT) on Wednesday, citing the expiration of the transit agreement. This marks the termination of a historic gas conduit that has been a focal point in Russian-European energy relations since 2014.

The closure follows years of turbulent interaction, spurred by Russia's annexation of Crimea. Despite this, Moscow continues its gas exports to Europe through the TurkStream pipeline, which traverses the Black Sea.

The European Union, seeking energy independence, intensified its efforts to diversify energy sources after the Ukraine conflict erupted in 2022. With the five-year gas transit deal ending on January 1, 2025, and Ukraine's firm refusal to renew, Gazprom claims it lacks the technical and legal means to continue transit through Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)