Ukraine will cease the transit of Russian gas on January 1, but pro-Russian EU leaders have not given up hope for its continuation.

Beginning January 1 2025, the Ukrainian GTS will be able to transport gas of Russian origin only at the request of the European Commission, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. At the same time, according to the Association Agreement with the EU and the Energy Charter Treaty, Ukraine is obliged to ensure the transit of Russian oil to Europe at the EC’s request.

“Therefore, technically, transit requested by the European side continues. However, we are working to impose 100% sanctions on Russian energy,” Shmyhal added.

Meanwhile, Hungary is negotiating the continuation of Russian gas supplies through Ukraine. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced a cunning approach: transporting gas through Ukraine that already belongs to the buyers before it reaches Ukrainian territory. Hungary has also received assurances from Bulgaria that the transit of Russian gas through the Balkan Stream, an offshoot of TurkStream, will not be restricted.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico arrived in Moscow for gas talks with Putin.