According to Mitrakhovich, Ukraine often perceives the story of Naftogaz’s banding and the separation of an independent operator as an idea that will help them “replay Russia” in gas negotiations.
“In fact, Russia is not at all opposed to concluding an agreement not with Naftogaz, but with the OGTSU (Gas Transmission System Operator. - RT ) of Ukraine. Recently, the Minister of Energy of Ukraine Orzhel said that they sent certification documents to Vienna, where the secretariat of the Energy Community is located. If they quickly get approval, then fine, let them continue to work on the mechanism provided for by the Third Energy Package, hold auctions for booking capacities, ”the expert noted.
He added that even if Ukraine does not have time to resolve these issues, there is another way.
“Our position is that we are not against Ukraine’s attempts to live according to European laws. This is their decision. If you don’t finish it, we have an alternative: you can conclude a contract along the path of the one that was before. The problem for us is that they cannot come up with the proposals that are just characteristic for working according to European rules, that is, with auctions for booking capacities, ”Mitrahovich concluded.
Earlier, Miller, following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that Ukraine needs to resolve issues with a new gas transmission system operator to continue gas transit.
He noted that these are technical problems, but very important, and they should be resolved as soon as possible.
In addition, the head of the holding recalled that Gazprom had already sent Naftogaz a proposal to extend the existing transit contract for a year or to conclude a new one.