Additional Coverage:
- Russia just lost one of its weirdest wartime income streams (newsbreak.com)
Russia Loses Gas Pipeline Access to Europe via Ukraine
Following the expiration of a five-year agreement, Russia can no longer transport gas to Europe through Ukrainian pipelines. This arrangement, in place since the Soviet era, has allowed Russia to profit billions despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Ukraine had signaled its intention to end the deal, citing national security concerns. European countries that relied on the gas, such as Slovakia and Austria, have been seeking alternative sources. Austria has cut ties with Russian gas supplier Gazprom, while Slovakia’s president has criticized Ukraine’s decision.
The now-defunct deal highlighted the complexities of the conflict, with Europe balancing arms support for Ukraine with its own energy dependence on Russia. Despite the intense fighting, both Ukraine and Russia have profited from the gas flowing through the same contested areas.
The loss of Ukraine as a transit route is another blow to Russia’s gas industry. Europe has been reducing its reliance on Russian energy, with the EU’s imports from Russia declining significantly. The US and Norway have emerged as major gas suppliers, while Hungary and Moldova are still receiving Russian gas through other pipelines.
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- Russia just lost one of its weirdest wartime income streams (newsbreak.com)