Ukrainian PM Says Deal To Transit Russian Gas Won't Be Extended In 2025

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said a deal allowing transit of Russian gas through his country wouldn't be extended into 2025, but he said he's ready to discuss other methods of providing supplies to Western Europe. "If the European Commission officially approaches Ukraine about transit of any gas other than Russian, we'll naturally discuss it and are ready to reach an appropriate agreement," Shmyhal said on Telegram. "Ukraine's agreement with Russia on gas transit comes to an end on January 1, 2025, and won't be extended." When Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU was largely dependent on Russia for gas but has since sought alternative supplies. Shmyhal previously said no extension was planned, but some countries, including Slovakia, had expressed hopes for additional time. Ukraine has said discussions have taken place on the possibility of shipping gas from Azerbaijan to Europe through Ukraine. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, click here.