Kremlin-Ukraine Ending Gas Transit Will Hurt EU Consumers

Kremlin spox Dmitry Peskov has said that Ukraine's "decision not to extend the agreement on gas transit from Russia will cause serious damage to the interests of European consumers." The current transit agreement that sees Russian gas travel through Ukraine to Europe is due to expire at year-end. Speaking in a presser on 27 Aug, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that “No one will extend the agreement with Russia, this is a done deal. As for the transit of gas from other companies, if the request of some of our European colleagues continues, we will consider their requests,” implying that the door is closing but not shut on the prospect of future gas transit.

• Peskov: "Of course, such decisions by the Ukrainian side will cause serious damage to the interests of European consumers,[...] They will simply have to pay much more, thereby making their industry less competitive,"
• The Kremlin spox went on to claim that there are potential alternatives, saying "...there are plans to create a hub in Turkey, work is underway on this matter, that is, there are alternative routes,"
• Gas continues to transit via the Sudzha transit point, just inside Russian territory in the Kursk oblast that is currently under the control of Ukrainian forces. Speaking to Reuters on 26 Aug, the CEO of TotalEnergies raised concerns about price spikes if Ukrainian transit is interrupted.
• Some EU member states (notably Austria) remain reliant on Russian gas, and despite being able to import from neighbours could still experience notable energy price hikes should supplies be cut.