Ukraine’s gas pipeline operator earned $1 billion in the first half of this year, largely by pumping Russian gas to Europe.

Profits were $208 million, reports the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine. Profits were recorded despite $371 million in unpaid debts by domestic gas distributors. About 80% of this debt is owed by Regional Gas Company, owned by Dmytro Firtash, calculates Ukrainska Pravda. The Operator cannot shut off gas to Firtash’s company as it would shut off gas to most of Ukraine’s households. Threatening this situation, Gazprom’s contract with the Operator ends in 2024.