The United States supported the termination of the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine
US Deputy Secretary of State Jeffrey Payette expressed hope that the completion of the contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine will be a key step in reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian energy resources. About this informs “Voice of America”.
Payette emphasized that the end of this contract could symbolize the end of the era of energy dependence of Europe on Russia. He also commented on the pressure on Ukraine to extend the transit agreement, noting that the main pressure comes from only one or two countries. Whereas the position of the European Commission is clear and aimed at energy independence.
The deputy state secretary criticized the long-standing agreement on the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, considering it a source of Russia’s economic influence on Ukraine since its independence.
“Trade in energy resources, especially gas, has been the main vector of Russia’s influence on the Ukrainian economy since independence. So why, for God’s sake, would anyone be interested in continuing these relations?“, he noted.
Payette expressed confidence that the international community understands the need to completely abandon Russian energy resources, which is an important step towards ensuring Europe’s energy security.
