Ukraine will continue gas transit as long as it is technically possible – Naftogaz head

Ukraine will continue to transit Russian natural gas as long as it is technically possible, but proposes to freeze funds from its sale on escrow accounts until the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, head of the board of NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy Yuriy Vitrenko said to Bloomberg.

"At the moment, it has been decided that as long as it is technically possible, we will continue the transit of Russian gas," he said.

Vitrenko noted that he could not disclose the details of political discussions with the president, with Russia, with the European Union, but as the general director of the company, he must ensure uninterrupted transit, as long as there are technical possibilities for this.

He pointed out that Russian troops in Ukraine are very cautious about the transit gas infrastructure, although they do not spare the distribution infrastructure.

"Therefore, it is obvious to us that they do not want to damage their own commercial interests and their commercial relations," Vitrenko stated.

According to him, there were attempts by Russia to interfere in the operation of three compressor stations in eastern Ukraine, but after warning about the risks of such actions for transit, "Russian troops began to behave differently."

"But they are still nearby, so the situation is far from normal," the official said.

He confirmed that the Ukrainian side currently fully controls gas transit, and Gazprom uses the contracted capacity.

Source: www.en.interfax.com.ua