Russia convinces the EU amicably to stop the transit of gas through Ukraine

BERLIN, 13 April - RIA Novosti/Prime. Russia's claims to the finality and bezpovorotnoe decisions on the implementation of the "Turkish stream" instead of "South" took stringent. The head of "Gazprom" Alexei Miller said the firm intention of the Russian Federation to refuse service of Ukraine As a gas transit from Russia to the European Union after 2019, by which time the EU must Solve with the construction of infrastructure for fuel with the planned hub on the border of Turkey and Greece.

for its part, energy Minister Alexander Novak took on their own shoulders the role of a "good police officer" - He announced his firm intention of Russia to cooperate with European and Asian countries on the issues of energy security, advocated the restoration of the energy dialogue with the EU and once again made a promise that the Russian Federation strictly fulfill All the contracts on gas supplies to the European Union.

However, He did not disclose how It will be done in light of the recent statements of Miller, which most took As a danger to halt gas supplies the opponents of the construction of " Turkish stream ".

The General impression from the speeches of commissioners of the Russian Federation " let's agree amicably. Experts interviewed Last news , I do not exclude that the Statements made at the Symposium on energy security, are not in direct danger, but are an attempt to stimulate the European colleagues "Gazprom" to take speedy decisions.


Alexei Miller, speaking at the Symposium the discussion club "Valdai "" Europe and Eurasia: towards a new model of energy security ", said Ukraine the weakest link in the chain of gas transit from Russia to Europe, and the alleged "Turkish stream" is the diversification of transport routes in its pure form, on which the EU insists.

"We have reached the conclusion about the construction of a gas pipeline under the Black sea to the border of Turkey and the creation of a gas transportation capacity to the border of Turkey and Greece, and These facilities will be created. All risks that exist, such as time, creation of new gas transportation capacity from the border of Turkey and Greece are in the European Union. The timing is very tight - These facilities are required to appear by the end of 2019, " said Miller.

He added that in order for These facilities came to the end of 2019, build need to start today, but until it is not observed." We warned about the Fact that If such facilities are created, We are not guilty. Reportedly forewarned means forearmed, " said He.


The loudest that caused a lot of speculation and different interpretations, was the message Miller about the Fact that "Gazprom" can hold a pause in gas relations with European countries.

"What is not given to implement the" South stream ", the aim was to maintain the status quo of transit through the territory of Ukraine, no other purpose in closing the "South stream" was not. If someone thinks that blocking and " Turkish stream ", they will achieve this goal, It is a profound error. These volumes have the opportunity to go to other markets. Secondly, We can keep the pause - If necessary, this pause We can keep, " said He.

then on the sidelines of the conference there were different interpretations of the words of the head of " Gazprom ", from the complete cessation of gas supplies to the European Union At the closing of the "Turkish stream until it is ready to wait for the decision of the European partners about joining the" Turkish stream ".

While Miller himself was silent on many reporters ' questions, what kind of break He stated.


Energy Minister tried to soften too hard the effect of the speeches of the head of Gazprom, said about the readiness of Russia to develop energy cooperation with Europe and Asia. However, He did not deny the desire to stop the transit of gas through Ukraine after 2019, when it will expire the contract "Gazprom" and " Naftogaz ".

"Nobody is going to stop the supply of gas to the European Union, All These volumes will be delivered to consumers, contracts will be made," he reassured Novak.


experts believe that in the words of Miller sounded kind of veiled Danger to European customers of Gazprom. Even the most pessimistic variant - partial reduction of exports to the European Union - will not cause a significant damage to the budget of the Russian Federation.

"We can reduce delivery to certain countries. In principle, I would have said more widely - budget revenues from the export of gas several times (at least four times) less than the income received from oil. For this reason, the Russian Federation will not be more painful If We stop at all the gas exports. Then in the European Union comes the cold, energy hunger and disaster, but We will get through This. It reminds Saudi option when they (Saudi Arabia - ed.) have the ability to endure several years the price of oil - ed.) to $ 30 (per barrel - ed.) because they have a large accumulation in the budget, " said Fins news analyst of Sberbank CIB Valery Nesterov.

for its part, Deputy Director of national energy security Fund Alexei Grivach not inclined to accept such a pessimistic words of Miller." I think This is a General description of the moment. We, unfortunately, see that European partners are shying away from dialogue, under the guise of various pretexts


sections: Politics