Russia may extend gas transit via Ukraine after 2024, but it has certain requirements.
This is reported by Apostrophe with reference to a press conference of Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The main conditions for the extension of the contract for transit through Ukraine will be thedemand from European importers, and the proper technical condition of the gas transportation system in Ukraine.
"We are ready to extend gas supplies through Ukraine even after 2024, when the current contract for transit through this country expires. Of course, if there is a demand from European importers and it will be profitable. And the gas transportation system of Ukraine itself will be in good technical condition," Vladimir Putin said.
In October 2021, Putin stated that Russia could stop gas transit to Europe through Ukraine due to the alleged poor condition of the Ukrainian GTS.
The President of the Russian Federation did not speak directly against the extension of gas transit through Ukraine and stressed that it should not be "put into a difficult position".