EU assures energy stability as Russia-Ukraine gas transit nears end

The European infrastructure is flexible enough to transit gas from other countries through alternative routes to Central and Eastern Europe.

“The impact of the termination of transit through Ukraine on the security of EU supplies is limited,” the representative said, adding that the EC has been working alongside member states for more than a year to develop alternative gas supply plans. 

The transit agreement between Gazprom and Naftogaz, which allows Russian gas to be transported through Ukraine, is due to expire on Jan. 1, 2025.

On Dec. 30, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized Kyiv's decision to halt Russian gas transit in an open letter to European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling it “irrational and wrong” and warning that it would lead to tensions and retaliatory measures.

This follows Fico's recent visit to Moscow to discuss gas transit and the international agenda with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

The Dec. 22 talks were held in a one-on-one format and were strongly criticized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who accused Fico of putting personal and shadowy interests ahead of his country's welfare.