Gas supplies from Russia to the European Union via Ukraine ended on Wednesday, following the expiration of a critical five-year agreement. Russia’s energy giant, Gazprom, confirmed that gas flows ceased at 08:00 local time, leaving Europe to adjust its energy strategies as Russian gas transit ends.
The termination marks the conclusion of decades of reliance on Ukraine for Russian gas transit, a significant logistical and economic shift. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia, emphasizing that Ukraine would prevent further profits from what he called blood money.
Meanwhile, Poland’s government praised the disruption as another strategic win against Moscow’s European influence. The Russian gas transit ends as Europe remains divided in its dependence on Moscow despite years of decreasing imports.
2023 Russian gas accounted for less than 10% of EU supplies compared to 40% in 2021. Eastern member states, including Austria and Slovakia, maintained high dependency levels, causing financial strain with the agreement conclusion.
Slovakia, now the main entry point for Russian gas, expects higher costs from alternative routes. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski emphasized the availability of alternate gas supplies through terminals in Croatia and connections from Germany and Poland.
Poland imports from Qatar, the United States, and other regions to reduce its reliance on Russia. Outside the EU, Moldova faces severe implications. Transnistria’s breakaway region has lost gas supplies, forcing residents to endure freezing conditions.
Moldovan officials accused Russia of using “energy as a political weapon” as tension grew. Europe’s energy diversification plans continue strengthening resilience, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and piped gas from Norway. However, as Russian gas transit ends, the geopolitical and economic reverberations persist, urging comprehensive energy reform for a secure future.
