Putin Says Ukraine Refuses Gas Transit Extension to Jan. 1, 2025; Zelenskiy Open to Non-Russian Gas

Dec 19, 2024, 01:25 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Ukraine has refused to extend the gas transit contract, which is set to expire at the end of this month. Putin emphasized that this refusal is not a problem for Russia, asserting that the country and the state natural energy giant Gazprom will survive without the transit deal, which is set to end on Jan. 1, 2025. He also mentioned that Ukraine had previously shut down Russian gas supplies to Europe. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukraine will not continue to transit Russian gas, but indicated openness to transit gas from other sources. Putin also commented on the global energy market, noting that demand for energy is still rising and that Russia aims to increase its share in the global LNG market. Additionally, Putin addressed Western sanctions against Russian LNG in the Arctic, claiming they stem from fear of competition.