Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that negotiating a new contract for gas transportation through Ukraine will be challenging. During a news conference, Putin stated that it would be impossible to finalize a contract in a mere three to four days. He also proposed various alternatives, including involving Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey, or Azerbaijan in the gas transportation process. However, each of these proposals presents its own set of difficulties, given Gazprom’s long-term contracts that are not easily altered.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that his country will not permit the transit of Russian-origin gas through its borders until the ongoing conflict with Russia ends and assurances are given that the Kremlin will not profit financially from it. The current gas transit contract between Russia and Ukraine is due to expire this month, and several countries, including Slovakia, rely heavily on Gazprom to meet their natural gas demand.
Putin also mentioned a lawsuit filed by Ukraine’s Naftogaz, claiming that Gazprom has not fully compensated for transit services, as an obstacle to a swift agreement. Naftogaz lodged the claim in Switzerland in 2022. Putin suggested that Russia might explore alternative routes and is prepared to start gas supplies to Europe via Poland immediately, pending approval from the Warsaw government. He also suggested that Ukraine withdraw its claim from the court to facilitate the negotiation process.