Kyiv is discussing with Baku an alternative gas supply scheme to Europe without Russia’s participation, RBC-Ukraine reports.
As noted, the parties are discussing the issue of supplying Azerbaijani gas through the territory of Ukraine, but it is still difficult to call it negotiations, because there have been no specific proposals from either side.
“In some bilateral meetings, the topic is touched upon, but nothing is discussed in detail,” a source familiar with the process of discussing natural fuel supplies said.
Naftogaz of Ukraine is the main participant in the consultations from Kyiv; the topic is also discussed in government level meetings. At the moment, according to the sources, the concept of possible cooperation has changed dramatically: The Ukrainian side is no longer talking about transit, but offers an alternative option, which will not be legally considered transit. As RBC notes, its essence is that the gas owner first simply pumps it to the underground storage under the control of Naftogaz, and then can use it to his discretion.
Such proposals were made to Baku and Bratislava a few months ago. If Azerbaijan pumps gas, it will be able to sell it on the stock exchange or with contracts to the EU countries. If Slovakia agrees to this scheme, it will be able to buy gas at the border between Ukraine and Russia or at the entry point from Azerbaijan into Russia, pump it to storage facilities in Ukraine, then use it or sell it.
