Russia plans to redirect gas transit to the EU from Ukraine to Turkey

Russia believes that transit risks for European consumers remain on the territory of Ukraine. Russia intends to shift all of its natural gas flows to the EU from Ukraine to transit routes through Turkey, creating the necessary infrastructure on the Turkish-Greek border to maintain its reputation as a reliable supplier.

Gazprom, the world's largest natural gas supplier, has decided to send 63 billion cubic meters of gas across the Black Sea to Turkey, completely replacing supplies to the EU via Ukraine, Alexey Miller said. About 40 percent of Russian gas exports to Europe and Turkey are now channeled through Ukraine's Soviet network.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that Russia prefers to deal with Turkey, because this country has always been a reliable gas supplier and did not violate its obligations. "We are reducing the risks associated with unreliable countries that have caused problems in recent years, including for European consumers."

Gazprom cut gas supplies through Ukraine after a debt dispute with a neighboring country and now wants to fully ensure transit without resorting to the participation of Ukraine, which has a very convenient geographic location for these purposes. At the same time, Vice-President of the European Commission of the Energy Union Maros Shefchovic told reporters after negotiations with Russian officials of OJSC Gazprom that "the decision has no economic sense." The EU plans to create an energy union to reduce dependence on Russia and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy.