Russian gas flows via Ukraine for last days as transit deal crumbles

Russia pumped gas on Monday to European customers via Ukraine for one of the last days before a key transit deal expires at the end of the year, marking the almost complete loss of Russia’s once mighty hold over the European gas market.

Supplies of Russian gas via Ukraine are due to stop from the early hours of Jan. 1 after the current five-year deal expires. Kyiv has refused to negotiate a new transit deal as its war against Russia approaches the end of a third year.

 Gazprom supplies gas for Europe in transit via Ukraine in the amount of 42.4 mln cubic meters per day to the Sudzha gas pumping station in the Kursk region. The application for pumping through Sokhranovka was rejected by the Ukrainian side, a Gazprom representative told journalists.

"Gazprom supplies Russian gas for transit through the territory of Ukraine in the amount confirmed by the Ukrainian side through the Sudzha gas pumping station - 42.4 mln cubic meters as of December 30. The application to the Sokhranovka station was rejected," the company representative said. The day before, the pumping volume also amounted to 42.4 mln cubic meters.

The transit line through Ukraine remains the only route for Russian gas supplies to Western and Central European countries. Pumping via Nord Stream has been completely stopped. Gas supplies via TurkStream and Blue Stream are intended for Turkey and the countries of Southern and Southeastern Europe.

The agreement on the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory expires at the end of 2024 and provides for the pumping of 40 bln cubic meters annually.