Ukraine does not plan to sign contracts for the transit of Russian gas through the country, and in the coming years Kiev will focus on increasing domestic gas production to over 20 billion cubic meters, Ukrainform reported, referring to a statement by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal during a speech in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, broadcast on the "YouTube" channel of MP Oleksiy Goncharenko.
"We have not planned and do not plan to sign any contracts for the continuation of the transit of Russian gas. At the same time, we will continue to fulfill our commitments under the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU and we want to remain a reliable partner of our European allies," Shmygal said.
According to him, an important element of energy sustainability is the functioning of Ukraine's gas transmission system, which is now operating in a zero-transit mode.
"One of the priorities for this year will be to further increase gas production and invest in promising fields in Ukraine. In 2024, gross gas production increased by 2.2 percent compared to 2023, with a total level of over 19 billion cubic meters. The strategic goal in the coming years is for production volumes to reach over 20 billion cubic meters," Shmygal emphasized.
According to the Prime Minister, the government has tasked the Ministry of Energy and "Naftogaz" to pay special attention to the development of the concept of Ukraine being the gas zone of Europe.
The agreement on the transit of Russian gas through the gas transmission system of Ukraine to Europe expired on December 31, 2024, Ukrainform recalls.