Naftogaz Ukrainy does not expect gas transit to the European Union (EU) to stop unless there is a “full-scale war.” This was stated by the head of the company Yuriy Vitrenko at a briefing on Tuesday, February 22.
“If there is no full-scale war, that is, active hostilities throughout the territory of Ukraine, we do not expect the transit to stop,” he said.
At the same time, Vitrenko added that Russia is fulfilling its obligations under long-term contracts, RT reports.
“We understand that Russia has already come close to the minimum volumes that they are required to supply to the European market,” the head of the company said.
Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is ready, if necessary, to fulfill its obligations to the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR) for military assistance, according to the kp.ru website.
At the same time, the Russian leader stressed that he did not talk about the imminent dispatch of Russian troops to the republics.
According to Putin, he instructed the Russian Foreign Ministry to establish diplomatic relations with the DPR and LPR and ensure peace in their territories. Commenting on the actions in Donbass, he also drew attention to the fact that good must protect itself.
Earlier that day, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov, during a meeting of the Federation Council, announced a rapid increase in the level of tension on the territory of the DPR and LPR.
The situation on the line of contact in Donbass escalated on February 17, 2022. The DPR and LPR reported heavy shelling by Ukrainian security forces, including with heavy weapons. The republics announced the mobilization and evacuation of citizens to the territory of the Russian Federation.
On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of the LPR and DPR. Also, the Russian leader, the heads of the LPR and DPR Leonid Pasechnik and Denis Pushilin signed agreements on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance.
Since 2014, the Ukrainian authorities have been conducting a military operation against the inhabitants of Donbass, who refused to recognize the results of the coup d’état and the new government in Ukraine. At the same time, Kiev blames Moscow for the current situation. Russia has repeatedly stated that it is not a party to the intra-Ukrainian conflict. The issues of its settlement are being discussed in the Minsk and Normandy formats.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
