The transit of Russian natural gas to Europe via Ukraine has officially ceased after Kyiv decided not to renew its agreements with Russia’s Gazprom. The contracts with Ukraine’s Naftogaz and the Gas Transmission System Operator expired on January 1, 2025, bringing an end to a longstanding energy supply route critical for European energy security.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized Ukraine’s decision, emphasizing that Gazprom had fulfilled its contractual obligations. “The Ukrainian authorities chose to halt Russian gas deliveries despite Russia meeting its commitments, directly impacting European consumers,” Zakharova stated.
The move is expected to have significant economic repercussions across Europe, with concerns mounting over energy prices and supply stability. Zakharova suggested that the halt was driven by broader geopolitical motives, asserting that the primary beneficiary of this market shift is the United States, which has been expanding its energy exports to Europe in recent years.
The Russian statement specifically pointed to Germany as an example of the wider fallout, highlighting the country’s reliance on costlier alternatives following the explosions that rendered the Nord Stream pipelines inoperative. The increased import costs have reportedly strained German manufacturing sectors, with some production facilities scaling back operations.
Zakharova placed responsibility for the disruption on multiple parties, stating, “The decision to end Russian gas transit is a direct consequence of pressure from the United States and decisions made by European leaders prioritizing political agendas over the welfare of their own citizens.”
The European Commission has yet to formally respond, but officials have previously emphasized the need for diversified energy sources to reduce reliance on Russian supplies. Meanwhile, energy analysts warn that the halt could exacerbate price volatility in the coming months, especially during the winter season.
The situation underscores the continuing tensions between Moscow, Kyiv, and the broader Western bloc, with energy security increasingly entangled in the ongoing geopolitical standoff.