Mykhailo Gonchar, an energy expert, exposes Russia’s audacious scheme to rebrand their gas as “Azerbaijani”, for transit through Ukraine. He reveals how Kyiv is under increasing pressure from Moscow’s European proxy to accept a deal which could shatter Western sanctions.
Kyiv announced that the contract between Ukraine Naftogaz, and Russia Gazprom will not be renewed as it nears its expiration in just two months. This decision could stop the flow of Russian Gas to Europe through this pipe, impacting a volume of approximately 14 billion cubic meters per year – a $5 Billion yearly revenue for Russia, and $800 Million for Ukraine.
Kadri SIMSON, European Energy Commissioner, said last week that Brussels was not concerned and that the EU could manage without Russian gas. She warned that continued imports from member states would be a “dangerous political choice” and not a necessity.
Despite this position, Hungary, Austria and Slovakia remain hesitant to give up Russian gas. Slovakia’s pro Russian Prime Minister Robert Fico has been particularly vocal in advocating a scheme that would replace Russian gas with Azerbaijani supply.
Mykhailo Gonchar, a Ukrainian energy expert, warns that the seemingly simple solution is actually a Russian strategy. He says the proposed Azerbaijani scheme for gas is flawed because:
* There is no direct pipeline route between Azerbaijan and Ukraine that bypasses Russia.
* Azerbaijan’s gas production capacity is not sufficient to meet Ukraine’s pipeline requirements.
Gonchar says that Russia could easily use Azerbaijani natural gas as a cover, essentially continuing its own supply of gas under a new label.
In an interview with Euromaidan Press Gonchar exposes Moscow’s motives behind the gas transit scheme and warns that it could undermine Western sanctions against Russia.
Why some EU countries cling on to Russian gas
Gonchar, citing European sources, reveals that the EU has reservations about the “Azerbaijani Gas” transit idea. They see it as a way to cover up Russian gas.
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