Russian gas flow through Ukraine halted as transit deal ends

January 1, 2025 - The flow of Russian natural gas through Ukraine has been halted after a key transit agreement expired, forcing several European countries to seek alternative energy supplies.

The disruption comes as Europe continues to distance itself from Russian energy, following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Ukraine claims “historic” moment

Ukraine’s Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, described the halt as a significant milestone.

“We have stopped the transit of Russian gas. This is a historic development. Russia is losing its markets and will face financial losses. Europe has already made the decision to abandon Russian gas,” he said.

Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy giant, said it no longer had the “legal and technical right” to use Ukraine for gas exports.

European countries adapt

The European Union has insisted it is ready for the stoppage, with officials saying existing infrastructure can supply Central and Eastern Europe with gas from non-Russian sources.

Neighbouring Moldova, however, has ordered strict energy cuts to cope with the loss, highlighting the challenges faced by countries still dependent on Russian supplies.

Russia retains the ability to export gas to Turkey, Hungary, and Serbia, but the halt marks a further blow to Moscow’s energy dominance in Europe.

A shift in energy supply

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European nations have ramped up investment in renewable energy and sought alternative suppliers, including the United States, Qatar, and Norway.

The end of Russian gas transit through Ukraine signals Europe’s growing shift away from Moscow’s energy and a move towards greater energy independence.