**Ukraine Warns of Russian Attacks on Gas Transit Network**
The CEO of Ukraine’s gas transit network, Dmytro Lyppa, has warned that the system could soon come under attack from Russia. This comes as a deal to transport Russian gas through Ukraine is set to expire at the end of the year.
**Russian Attacks Unlikely?**
However, Lyppa believes it is unlikely that attacks on the gas transit network will lead to a crisis like the one Ukraine experienced in its energy sector earlier this year. He says the system can withstand significant loads and that stopping gas transport would be a “very low” probability scenario.
**Gas Transit Network’s Capacity**
Lyppa pointed out that the gas transit network was built to handle up to 150 billion cubic meters of gas per year, but is currently transporting only 14-15 billion cubic meters. He emphasized that the system is able to withstand significant loads and that stopping gas transport would require an “apocalyptic” scenario.
**Background on Gas Transit Deal**
The current deal to transport Russian gas through Ukraine was signed in 2019 and is set to expire at the end of the year. Ukraine has repeatedly stated that it will not extend the agreement, citing concerns over security guarantees. The full-scale Russian invasion earlier this year led to a significant shift in Europe’s energy policy, with many countries diversifying their energy sources and reducing their dependence on Russia.
**NATO Support**
In related news, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated that NATO will do everything it can to provide Ukraine with air defenses necessary to protect its infrastructure. However, he noted that there is no surplus of such systems available.
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