Ukraine’s Reaction to Russian Humanitarian Gas Supplies Hints at Worsening of Crisis
Amid the relative silence of European media, the confrontation between Ukraine and Russia gets worse, as Moscow’s decision to provide humanitarian gas supplies to Eastern Ukraine triggered a stark remark by Naftogaz’ Andriy Kobolyev. This came at a moment the US State Department promised full support for Ukraine’s measures to address threats to its energy security.
NAFTOGAZ’ KOBOLYEV
“We got an impression that (Russians) did it intentionally: they first ruined the gas infrastructures, and then decided to supply gas. Since it would be supplied to the territory where we could not control the amounts supplied” Kobolyev said during a press briefing, adding that his company complied with its obligations over the winter.
According to the CEO Naftogaz of Ukraine, the decision taken in Moscow breaches the contract signed by Naftogaz and Gazprom, conflicting with the provisions of the gas agreements.
“The contract between Gazprom and Naftogaz clearly says that the gas is supplied at the border. In the occupied territories, we do not have any representatives of Naftogaz. We are absolutely unable to control how much gas is supplied… In line with the contracts, it is only Ukrtransgaz that could supply gas to these territories” Kobolyev added.
Naftogaz’ CEO argued that Moscow’s decision is illegal, and that Naftogaz is intentioned to resume deliveries to Eastern Ukraine as soon as the transportation will be repaired.
Kobolyev also said that the company would not pay for these deliveries of gas to the contested areas.
“We believe that these supplies are unnecessary” Kobolyev explained.
NAFTOGAZ BUYS RUSSIAN GAS
Meanwhile, Naftogaz continues to buy Russian gas.
‘On 19 February Naftogaz ordered 30 million cubic meters of Russian gas to meet the needs of Ukrainian consumers through the Sudzha, Valuyki, Sokhranivka and Pysarivka metering station’ reads a note released by the Ukrainian company.
On the other hand, the company said it did not order gas supply through the Platovo and Prokhorivka metering stations.
UKRAINE - US - CANADA
In the meantime, Kiev does not stand there twiddling its thumbs. Despite the divergence between the Brussels and Washington over the response to the crisis, Ukraine confirmed its intention to increase ties with Western countries. The United States seems the most likely way to increase Kiev’s military might and energy security.
‘Amos J Hochstein appreciated the work done by Ukraine on the organization of reverse gas supply, saving and stockpiling of natural gas in the Ukrainian gas storage facilities in the autumn-winter 2014/2015. He also noted that the US side was ready to fully support initiatives of the Ukrainian Government aimed at diversifying energy supply, as well as the necessary technical assistance for streamlining the energy sector of the Ukraine’s economy’ reads a note released by the office of the Prime Minister of Ukraine, reporting the result of the meeting between the Ukrainian Government and US officials.
Amos J Hochstein is the Coordinator for International Energy Affairs leading the Bureau of Energy Resources at the U.S. Department of State.