Ukraine to Completely Halt Transit of Russian Gas Through Its Territory, President Zelensky Announces
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky announced during a press conference in Brussels on December 19th that Ukraine will completely stop the transit of Russian gas through its territory. The press conference was broadcasted on Zelensky’s Facebook page.
This decision marks a significant step towards Ukraine’s energy independence and a major shift in the country’s relationship with Russia. For years, Ukraine has been heavily dependent on Russian gas, with almost 40% of its gas supply coming from its eastern neighbor. This has not only made Ukraine vulnerable to political pressure from Russia, but it has also been a major source of tension between the two countries.
During the press conference, Zelensky emphasized that this decision was not taken lightly and was based on Ukraine’s long-term energy strategy. He stated, «We have been working towards this goal for a long time, and now we are finally able to achieve it. This is a historic moment for Ukraine.»
The President also highlighted the economic benefits of this decision, stating that it will save Ukraine billions of dollars in transit fees and will allow the country to diversify its energy sources. Currently, Ukraine is heavily reliant on Russian gas, but with this decision, the country will be able to explore alternative sources of energy, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable energy.
This move has been welcomed by the European Union (EU), which has been a strong supporter of Ukraine’s energy independence. The EU has been working closely with Ukraine to reduce its dependence on Russian gas and to improve its energy infrastructure. In fact, the EU has invested over 1 billion euros in Ukraine’s energy sector since 2014.
The decision to halt the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine also aligns with the EU’s energy goals, as it aims to reduce its dependence on Russian gas and diversify its energy sources. This will not only benefit Ukraine but also the EU, as it will increase energy security and reduce the risk of supply disruptions.
Moreover, this decision sends a strong message to Russia that Ukraine is no longer willing to be held hostage by its gas supplies. It also shows that Ukraine is determined to assert its sovereignty and independence from Russia.
However, this decision does not mean that Ukraine will completely cut off its ties with Russia. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is still open to negotiations with Russia on gas supplies, but it will no longer allow its territory to be used for the transit of Russian gas to Europe.
The announcement has been met with positive reactions from both Ukrainian citizens and the international community. Many see it as a bold and decisive move by Zelensky’s government, which has been in power for less than a year. It also shows that the new administration is committed to implementing much-needed reforms and making significant changes in the country.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s decision to completely halt the transit of Russian gas through its territory is a significant step towards its energy independence and a major shift in its relationship with Russia. It will not only bring economic benefits to the country but also increase its energy security and assert its sovereignty. This decision has been welcomed by the EU and the international community, and it is a clear sign of Ukraine’s determination to move towards a more prosperous and independent future.
