Photo from UNIAN
Kobolyev notes high likelihood of such a crisis, which could be branded a new "gas war."
CEO of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine Andriy Kobolyev says Russia will try to create an artificial gas crisis in Ukraine in January 2020.
"Their goal is to create an artificial crisis after 2019, starting January 1, as it was in 2009, that is, 10 years ago, and to try to foment a crisis that will allow them promoting their own interest," Kobolyev said in an interview with the Voice of America Ukrainian Service.
Kobolyev notes high likelihood of such a crisis, which could be branded a new "gas war," so everyone, from the Ukrainian president and ministries to Naftogaz, needs to act to thwart Russia's plans.
Read alsoNaftogaz says Russia launches gas transit talks
Kobolyev added he did not understand the position at the talks of Russia's Gazprom. In his opinion, Russia has been deliberately delaying discussions.
"First of all, our main message concerns the complicated situation around the contract on gas transit through the territory of Ukraine after 2019. We have an agreement, which is expiring, and Gazprom's position at the talks has so far been incomprehensible. We believe they are dragging time," he said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, after presidential elections were held in Ukraine, Moscow began negotiations with Kyiv on extending gas transit via the Ukrainian territory toward the European Union, according to the Naftogaz CEO.