Russian Gas Transit through Ukraine: Economic Feasibility and Geopolitical Contradictions

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the main economic and geopolitical factors that influenced the conditions for signing a new contract between Gazprom and Naftogaz. The author considered the most important aspects of the problem of gas transit through Ukraine, its significance and consequences for the further development of modern international relations in the energy sector between the Russia, Ukraine and the European Union. The author especially noted that the construction of such pipelines as Nord Stream — 2 and Turkish Stream significantly reduces the role of Ukraine as a transit country. Moreover, the interest of Western European countries in the implementation of the Nord Stream — 2 project is faced with opposition to the construction of the gas pipeline from several states. The author paid much attention to the influence of the United States on the sphere of energy cooperation between Russia and the European Union. The author concludes that Ukrainian transit has become a geopolitical tool for pressure from the USA and Brussels on Russia. Finally, the author shows the main scenarios of the development of Russian-Ukrainian relations in the matter of direct deliveries of Russian gas to Ukraine.