Ukraine does not plan to extend the contract for the transit of Russian gas after its expiration. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, speaking in the Verkhovna Rada. According to him, the Ukrainian gas transportation system (GTS) continues to function, despite the current conditions, which include virtually zero volumes of Russian gas transit.

"An important element of the sustainability of our energy sector remains the functioning of the Ukrainian gas transportation system, which is currently operating under conditions of zero transit. We have not planned and do not plan to sign any contracts to extend the transit of Russian gas," — Shmygal emphasized.

These statements by the Prime Minister reflect the new course of Ukrainian energy policy aimed at reducing dependence on Russia. The decision to refuse to extend the contract is connected with the changing situation on the European gas market and the intensification of the geopolitical confrontation between Ukraine and Russia.

The current contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine was signed in 2019 and expired at the end of 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, Russia was obliged to supply certain volumes of gas through the Ukrainian GTS, which provided Kyiv with significant revenues from transit duties. However, since the start of the full-scale conflict in 2022, transit volumes have sharply decreased.

Ukraine's refusal to extend the contract will be an important step in the redistribution of natural gas flows in Europe. Russia is actively using alternative routes, including the Nord Stream gas pipeline (before it was damaged), Turkish Stream and others. At the same time, Europe is accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on Russian energy resources.