Naftogaz CEO: Russia plans new gas crisis for Ukraine
Russia intends to create an artificial gas crisis in Ukraine in the beginning of 2020. This was stated by the head of the council of NAK Naftogaz Ukrainy, Andrei Kobolev, in an interview with the Voice of America.
“Their goal is to create an artificial crisis after 2019, starting from January 1, as it was in the ninth year, that is 10 years ago, and try to make a crisis that will allow them to push through their own interest,” said Kobolev.
Kobolyev notes high likelihood of such a crisis, which could be branded a new "gas war," so everyone, from the Ukrainian president and ministries to Naftogaz, needs to act to thwart Russia's plans.
Kobolyev added he did not understand the position at the talks of Russia's Gazprom. In his opinion, Russia has been deliberately delaying discussions. "First of all, our main message concerns the complicated situation around the contract on gas transit through the territory of Ukraine after 2019. We have an agreement, which is expiring, and Gazprom's position at the talks has so far been incomprehensible. We believe they are dragging time," he said.
Source: UNIAN