Ukraine Halts Russian Gas Transit, Marking a Major Blow to Moscow’s Energy Dominance in Europe

Kyiv:Ukraine has rejected the extension of its transit agreement with Russia, effectively halting the flow of Russian gas to Europe through its territory. This move has been described as a significant blow to Russia, as it ends the country’s long-standing dominance over Europe’s energy supply.

The suspension of gas transit via Ukraine, which has been a key route for Russian gas to reach Europe, is expected to cost the Russian state-owned company *Gazprom* approximately $5 billion annually. While Russia and Ukraine have been in a state of war for the past three years, gas supplies through Ukrainian pipelines continued, but recently, Europe began to diversify its energy sources, turning to Norway, Qatar, and the United States for pipeline gas and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).

Following the gas halt, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the move as one of Russia’s “major defeats.” However, analysts warn that this decision could also harm Ukraine economically, as the country will lose nearly $1 billion in transit fees that it has been receiving from Russia for the transportation of gas.

On the other hand, neighboring Moldova, which relies on Ukrainian pipelines for gas supply, is facing severe energy shortages as a result of the gas disruption. President Zelenskyy has urged the United States and European countries to provide support to Moldova during these challenging times.