Ukraine received a “serious argument” for the next round of tripartite consultations on gas transit after the adoption of the law on the separation of the Ukrainian gas transmission system (GTS) from NAK Naftogaz Ukrainy, certification of a new independent operator of the GTS and creation of conditions for concluding a contract with Gazprom in accordance with European legislation. This opinion was expressed by the head of the Ukrainian company Andrey Kobolev.
“Now we have the opportunity to complete the unbundling in time and get a serious argument in trilateral negotiations with Gazprom. Now we have reason to convince the European Union to continue to demand from Russia to maintain transit through the Ukrainian GTS, which is becoming part of the pan-European energy system, ”Kobolev wrote on Facebook.
At the same time, the head of Naftogaz stated that to achieve success in the negotiations, “much more” needs to be done. In particular, "adopt network codes" and conclude a package of agreements "for the correct conduct of unbundling."
At the same time, Kobolev expressed regret that lawmakers refused the opportunity to attract Western partners to the management of the Ukrainian GTS.
“This issue will have to come back later. But the parliament adopted the changes critical for the completion of the unbundling, ”said the head of Naftogaz Ukrainy.
On October 31, 341 deputies of the Verkhovna Rada voted in favor of approving the relevant legislative initiative in the second (final) reading. As noted by Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection Aleksey Orzhel, there was a “historical moment regarding the protection of Ukrainian interests”.
“For a very long time we could not build a legislative framework that corresponded to European standards, so that we would no longer be blackmailed and we could ensure long-term gas transportation through Ukraine, the use of the Ukrainian gas transportation system, as well as stable income from these fixed assets,” he said.
Earlier in Russia, it was repeatedly explained that they were ready to sign a new agreement on gas transit to the EU with Kiev under European rules if the Ukrainian side manages to adopt the relevant standards by the end of the year. Otherwise, Moscow is ready to extend the existing contract for a year.
Following the results of the fourth round of tripartite consultations held on October 28 in Brussels (Russia - European Union - Ukraine) on the continuation of gas transit through the Ukrainian GTS after December 31, 2019, when the current contract expires, Russian Minister of Energy Alexander Novak said that all parties to the talks are set to so that the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory continues after 2020. In addition, Kiev did not rule out the resumption of direct fuel purchases from Gazprom.
- Archival photo of October 28th. Head of the Ministry of Energy of Russia Alexander Novak (center), Vice President of the European Commission Marosh Shefchovich and Minister of Energy and Environment of Ukraine Alexey Orzhel.
- © @MinenergoGov
Meanwhile, Naftogaz’s executive director, Yuri Vitrenko, said he was preparing a new lawsuit against Gazprom. Assessing the actions of the Ukrainian company, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov emphasized that legal claims should not be on the agenda if the parties want to agree on gas issues. In turn, Russian leader Vladimir Putin called for "getting rid of absurdity" and "zeroing out all demands on both sides."
“The Ukrainian side gives wishful thinking”
Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Energy Pavel Zavalny noted that Russia would be completely satisfied with the option in which Naftogaz manages to carry out this reorganization and gas transit through Ukraine starts working according to European rules.
Gazprom is able to work in these conditions, the scheme is absolutely transparent and understandable. The transition to such a system of work is normal and civilized. However, there is a risk that in these two months Ukraine will not have time to carry out the necessary reorganization. So far, there is complete uncertainty in this matter. That is why they were asked to extend the existing gas supply contract for consumers and calmly prepare for a new work scheme. There is interest in this from both Russia and Ukraine, ”the parliamentarian said in a conversation with RT.
According to Vladimir Bruter, an expert at the International Institute for Humanitarian and Political Studies, Kobolev’s statement about a “serious argument” will in no way affect the situation in the negotiations, since the Russian side initially indicated its readiness to conclude a contract with Kiev under European rules.
“The Ukrainian side claims wishful thinking, trying to say that it is putting pressure on Russia in this way. In reality, our country initially proposed separation, as one of the options for the formation of transit for the near future, until Nord Stream 2 and Turkish Stream start working at full capacity, ”the source said.