Ukraine acknowledged that there is a technical possibility to accept Russian gas via GIS Sudzha, but there is no political decision to do so

“As you know, after the signing of the terms of reference for the monitoring of the transit of natural gas through Ukraine, and after observers from the European Commission and Gazprom took their positions at stations at the entrances and exits of Ukraine’s gas transportation system, Gazprom began implementing the plan to restore the transit of gas through Ukrainian territory. In order to do that, we submitted a request to NAK Naftogaz Ukrainy to supply gas through GIS Sudzha to Orlovka. After that we filed an application for delivery of gas in the direction of Uzhgorod. However, as of this moment, for more than two days our Ukrainian colleagues have not accepted our applications and have not accepted gas into their gas transportation system. The valves are open and operating pressure exists on the Russian side, but the gas is not flowing because the valves on the Ukrainian side are still closed.

Today we received a letter from Naftogaz Ukrainy, which indicated that there is a technical possibility to open Sudzhu and begin the transit of gas to European consumers. Moreover, without any additional conditions, without any additional requirements in relations to gas for technological needs, in relation to gas needed to fill the system.

According to the document Naftogaz Ukrainy is ready to take 99.2 million cubic meters per day through GIS Sudzha, and divide these volumes partly for Moldova (13.9 mcm), partly to Orlovka (28 mcm) and partly in other direction, in particular, to Uzhhorod (57.3 mcm).  

This means that, in fact, there was a technical possibility to receive Russian gas into the Ukrainian system this entire time. There is no political decision to reopen the transit of Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine. And, despite receiving information from the dispatcher today that it is possible to take gas into the system, Naftogaz Ukrainy Chief Oleg Dubina in a telephone conversation today stated that they will not do so,” said Gazprom spokesman Sergey Kupriyanov .