Russian gas deliveries to Europe via Ukraine have been halted this month, sparking strong objections from Slovakia and Hungary, which continue to rely heavily on Russian energy supplies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the situation during a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. The two leaders, following discussions on Saturday, committed to finding “urgent and concrete solutions” to address the energy crisis in Moldova’s breakaway Transnistria region, which is backed by Russia. Moscow has cut gas flows through Ukraine and has ignored proposals to use alternative routes.
“We will not allow the Russians to profit,” Zelenskyy declared. “But will we let the Azerbaijanis benefit? PLACEHOLDER6e8ca061666c22e7. Will we assist the Slovaks? With pleasure. This is something we can establish swiftly. We can sign an agreement and begin immediately when we get requests from places like PLACEHOLDERcf1d7dc5d7094d44, Slovakia, and other European nations,” he remarked.
However, energy analysts remain skeptical about Azerbaijan’s ability to supply substantial additional gas volumes to Europe through Ukraine. Aura Sabadus, a gas markets expert with intelligence firm ICIS, noted Azerbaijan’s ambitions to position itself as a key energy partner for the EU, but questioned its production capacity.
“Azerbaijan simply lacks the output and is currently operating beyond its means,” Sabadus explained. She also raised concerns that any potential arrangement with Baku might involve a volume swap, which would rebrand Russian gas as Azerbaijani to create the appearance of diversification.
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