Russia may keep Ukraine gas transit after 2024 if sees demand

MOSCOW, Jul 13 (PRIME) -- Moscow does not rule out continuation of gas transit across Ukraine after 2024 if there is demand in Europe and the pipeline system is not destroyed, Dmitry Birichevsky, head of the economic cooperation department of the Foreign Ministry, told PRIME on Wednesday.

"The E.U. has announced a plan to reject Russian natural gas. This means refusal from transit across Ukraine as well and Kiev’s deprivation of revenue from it,” Birichevsky said.

“If the European consumers keep demand and the Ukrainian transport system remains working, Russia will be ready to consider prolonging transit across Ukraine among other options."

The official said that Russia fulfills all obligations under the current contract, while Ukraine limits transit by refusing to take gas at the Sokhranovka station.

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