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Danyliuk says it is important for Ukraine to maintain the transit of Russian gas after 2019.
The Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) is considering a halt to transit supplies of Russian gas via Ukraine as a worst-case scenario.
"It would be wrong not to consider [the termination of gas transit shipments via Ukraine]. This is the worst-case scenario, but it must be considered. Well, let me say it again – we must work to ensure that the transit continues," NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Danyliuk said on Ukraine's Radio NV on Friday, August 2.
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According to him, it is important for Ukraine to maintain the transit of Russian gas next year, as it is not only US$3 billion in annual revenue for gas transit, but it is also necessary for the functioning of the gas transportation system and important as a geopolitical issue.
"Therefore, it is important to maintain [Russian gas] transit, and for this we need to negotiate with the supplier – the Russian Federation. Most likely, these negotiations will take place after the formation of a new government and the appointment of an energy ministry, who will be responsible for the negotiations," Danyliuk said.
According to him, gas transit talks are held between NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine and Russia's Gazprom, as well as between the two countries' governments.
When asked whether there could be mediators in the negotiations, in particular, chairman of the political council of the Opposition Platform – For Life Party Viktor Medvedchuk, Russian President Vladimir Putin's ally in Ukraine, Danyliuk said the involvement of third parties, in particular political forces, was not foreseen.