Ukraine is ready to supply Europe with Azerbaijani gas instead of Russian gas

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a briefing following his meeting with Moldova’s President Maia Sandu. 

Zelenskyy shared that he discussed gas issues with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev during a meeting in Switzerland. 

According to Zelenskyy, Azerbaijan’s gas production currently stands at around 40 billion cubic meters, of which the country uses approximately 14-15 billion cubic meters. As a result, Azerbaijan's export capacity is about 25 billion cubic meters.

“We spoke with him (Aliyev) about what he could export. By the way, he exports gas to many countries. We can also use our infrastructure if other countries, particularly in Eastern Europe, really need gas, but not Russian gas,” said the president.

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He emphasized that Ukraine has never refused to export gas—only Russian gas, in order to prevent Russia from profiting. 

"Letting Azerbaijanis earn from their own production—we have excellent relations with them—it's a pleasure. Helping Slovakia and other countries—it's a pleasure. As long as it's not Russian gas," Zelenskyy stated.

He added that Ukraine could sign the appropriate contracts and quickly establish gas transit when it "hears a signal from people in Tiraspol, Slovakia, and other parts of Europe."

Ukraine stops Russian gas transit to Europe  

On January 1, Ukraine halted the transportation of Russian natural gas through its own gas transportation system. In response, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that his country could cut off humanitarian aid to Ukraine, reduce or completely cancel benefits for refugees, or stop electricity supplies.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also criticized Ukraine for stopping Russian gas transit and said that Budapest could take countermeasures. Orban urged the EU to push Ukraine to resume Russian gas transit amid upcoming sanctions renewal talks.