
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to block Russian gas transit through Ukraine has drawn ire from European nations as they face the challenges of winter energy demands. Adding to the tension, Zelenskyy has urged the U.S. to increase its gas exports to Europe, prompting frustration among allies.
Ukraine’s energy minister hailed the move as a historic step toward reducing Russian influence, emphasizing the financial hit to Moscow. However, the decision comes at a significant cost to Ukraine, with annual losses of $800 million in transit fees.
Slovak PM Robert Fico warned of cutting electricity to Ukraine if Kyiv halts Russian gas transit to Slovakia after January 1. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy accused Fico of aiding Russia’s war.#news #europe #slovakia #warinukraine #politics pic.twitter.com/QbJbT0S8En
— EU News & Funfacts (@Eu_news_facts) December 30, 2024
European officials insist they have prepared for reduced Russian gas flows by investing in infrastructure for liquefied natural gas. Despite these reassurances, concerns about energy shortages and rising costs remain prevalent.
Zelenskyy Declares Russia’s Energy Defeat: After Ukraine Ends Russian Gas Transit to Europe!
In a statement on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted one of Moscow’s most significant defeats: “When Putin assumed power over 25 years ago, Ukraine transited over 130… pic.twitter.com/HY7Gjlzvxr
— The Asian Chronicle (@AsianChronicle) January 2, 2025
Critics of Zelenskyy’s approach argue that his actions place undue strain on European allies, who are already grappling with the economic fallout of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. His public call for U.S. intervention has also been met with skepticism.
🇺🇦As of today, the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory to Europe has dropped to zero, has dealt #Moscow a significant blow in its attempts to use energy as a weapon, President Volodymyr #Zelenskyy has said. pic.twitter.com/EBYuJ6Ahg6
— ZMiST (@ZMiST_Ua) January 2, 2025
Russia, once responsible for nearly 40% of Europe’s natural gas supply, now accounts for just 8%. This shift has forced European nations to spend billions of euros on alternative sources, further complicating their economic recovery.
https://t.co/CKLByMp9yX
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized Ukraine's decision to halt Russian gas transit to Europe, labeling it as "Zelenskyy’s sabotage." He warned that Slovakia could face a loss of 500 million euros annually and plans to demand either the resumption…— The America One News (@am1_news) January 2, 2025
As Europe braces for potential energy disruptions, Moscow faces its own challenges, with an estimated $5 billion in lost annual gas sales due to the halted transit.
Zelenskyy is insane, these guys good. So it must be: Gas for countries. It will come anyhow to Europe, just another way if not directly. And will be more expensive
— Markku Hongisto (@Marcelh1303) December 25, 2024