As a result, Russian gas continues to flow through Ukraine

The Ukrainian ground offensive at Kursk in August sparked anxiety in European gas markets and led to higher prices. The backdrop was reported fighting around Russia’s facility at Suzya. The station is part of the so-called “Brotherhood” pipeline, built in the Soviet era to carry gas from Western Siberia through Ukraine to several EU countries.

But despite this Ukraine now claims control of the city, and supplies are continuing. On Tuesday, more than 42 million cubic meters of gas passed through the plant, in line with the average for the past month. Associated Press.

– Europe’s fears are unfounded in many ways. Ukraine has 2.5 years to stem the influx of refugees. Andreas Umland, a Kyiv-based analyst at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, said the situation has actually changed little because they now control the facility in Sudja.

Ukraine ends After the annexation of Crimea, Ukraine officially purchased gas directly from Russia. But the money flowing through the country did not stop. According to an agreement reached before the invasion, Russian energy company Gazprom received money for gas, while Ukraine received transit fees. According to a German TV channel German Wave The Ukrainian segment generated revenues of slightly more than SEK 10 billion in 2021. However, as deliveries fell, the total amount also decreased.

– For Russia, it remains one of the cheapest ways to deliver gas to Europe. For Ukrainians, revenue from transit fees is part of the state budget. Money has always been the most important thing for Kiev, Umlan said.

Although the gas pipeline brings more money to Russia, he estimates that both countries benefit roughly equally from the deal.

– In the calculations, it must be taken into account that Moscow can find other ways to deliver gas to Europe, for example through the Turkish Stream. Therefore, if the supply stops, they will not be hit too hard.

However, the protocol runs This year, the Ukrainian government had previously said that an extension would not be possible.

However, Andreas Umland does not want to rule out the possibility that the two sides will still reach a new agreement.

– This is a sensitive political issue. Many Ukrainians who lost loved ones in the war were unaware of the gas flow. But according to cold, rational logic, Ukraine has a reason to reach a new agreement.

About 3 percent According to the Associated Press, 1% of Europe’s natural gas imports pass through Sudzja.

The European Union has proposed a plan to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027. But progress has varied among member states. In recent years, Austria has increased its gas imports from Russia. Conversely, countries such as Romania and Hungary have signed agreements with Turkey, which acts as a middleman for Russian gas deliveries.