Shmyhal: Ukraine will not continue transit of Russian gas

The agreement for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine will not be extended. This will be done despite the «acute dependence» of some countries on Russian resources. This statement was made by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a joint press conference with his Slovak counterpart.

«The strategic goal of Ukraine is to impose sanctions on Russian gas, cutting off the Kremlin’s profits from hydrocarbon sales, which the aggressor uses to finance the war. We urge all European countries to completely abandon Russian oil and gas», — Shmyhal said.

Ukraine has called on all European nations to fully stop using Russian oil and gas. However, as Shmyhal noted, Kyiv recognizes the «acute dependence» of certain countries, including Slovakia, on Russian energy supplies.

At the same time, Ukraine aims to supply gas to Europe from other sources and is prepared to meet its international obligations, particularly under the Association Agreement with the EU.

Meeting between Fico and Shmyhal

On 7 October, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico held their second round of intergovernmental consultations.

Shmyhal announced this on his Telegram channel.

The meeting focused on discussing a roadmap—a plan of joint actions agreed upon during their first meeting. This plan covers cooperation in areas such as infrastructure projects, economic development, and energy security.

«A significant portion of Ukraine’s electricity imports come from Slovakia, which has consistently supported us», — Shmyhal remarked.

Ukraine also plans to address the need for increased support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace plan, as well as backing for Ukraine’s EU membership. Additional discussions include demining Ukrainian territories, providing humanitarian assistance, and contributing to the country’s reconstruction.

«We continue to work closely on defense procurement. We look forward to signing bilateral agreements between Ukraine and Slovakia, continuing our policy of «new pragmatism», — Shmyhal concluded.