MOSCOW: Russia has accused the United States and Ukraine of obstructing the flow of Russian gas to Europe through Ukrainian pipelines, a move that could have significant implications for the European energy landscape.
According to Qatar News Agency, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Ukraine had chosen to halt the gas flow despite Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned gas company, meeting its contractual obligations. Zakharova emphasized that the disruption of Russian gas supplies, which she described as competitive and environmentally friendly, not only weakens the European economy but also adversely impacts the living standards of Europeans.
Zakharova further claimed that the United States stands to benefit the most from the redistribution of the global energy market, suggesting that Ukraine’s refusal to extend the gas transit agreement serves as a pretext for the U.S. to gain an advantageous position. She argued that the decision was not based on practical constraints but rather on geopolitical motivations.
On Wednesday, Gazprom announced the termination of its gas supply agreement to Europe via Ukraine, citing the loss of essential technical and legal capabilities due to Ukraine’s repeated refusal to extend existing agreements. The cessation of supply took effect on January 1, 2025. The development signals a significant shift in the energy dynamics of the region, potentially leading Europe to seek alternative energy sources to meet its needs.