Gas transit: European Commission to continue negotiations with Ukraine

The statement was read to EU ambassadors on Monday morning ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers who will discuss extending sanctions against Russia. The sanctions are to be renewed every six months, Reuters reported.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the sanctions were hurting Hungary's economy and that it was necessary for EU energy security to resume gas supplies through Ukraine.

“The Commission is ready to continue discussions with Ukraine regarding the supply of gas to Europe via Ukraine's gas transportation system. The Commission is ready to involve Hungary together with Slovakia in this process,” the statement said.

Russian gas supplies through Ukraine stopped on January 1 after the transit contract expired. Slovakia and Hungary insist that the EU should intervene and resume supplies through the main pipeline.

Photo: Delo.ua.