Ukraine offers gas transit from Azerbaijan, sparking doubts
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced readiness to transit gas from Azerbaijan to Europe, which could impact the region's energy map. However, experts have doubts about whether this route can replace supplies from Russia, whose resources the EU is trying to abandon.
During a press conference in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine indicated the country's readiness to transit gas from Azerbaijan to Europe. The meeting was also attended by the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu.
Zelensky emphasized that Azerbaijan has significant export capabilities, reaching 880 billion cubic feet of gas. The Ukrainian president noted, "We can also use our infrastructure if countries in Europe need gas, not Russian gas."
Despite Zelensky's declaration, experts express doubts about Azerbaijan's ability to deliver sufficient gas to Europe.
Aura Sabadus, a gas market expert from the consulting firm ICIS, explained in an interview with Politico that Azerbaijan's gas resources are limited, and the country is operating beyond its capacity. She indicated that new agreements with Azerbaijan might include volume swaps, potentially resulting in Russian gas being labeled Azeri.
Russian gas divides the European Union
EU foreign ministers are scheduled to meet on Monday in Brussels to discuss gas transit through Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has threatened to veto EU sanctions against Russia if Ukraine does not agree to resume transit.
Gas stopped flowing to the EU through Ukraine at the end of 2024 after the transit agreement expired.
"If the Ukrainians want help, for example sanctioning the Russians, then let's reopen the gas transit routes and allow the central European countries, including Hungary, to receive the gas we need through Ukraine," stated the Hungarian leader, known for his friendly relations with the Kremlin.
