Transit of Russian gas to European countries through the territory of Ukraine should be preserved. This is insisted by the members of the European Commission (EC). Accordingly, Moscow and Kiev must sign a new long-term contract for the transfer of fuel to the European Union through the Ukrainian gas transmission system, said EC vice-president for energy union Maros Shefovich. "The European Commission supports a new long-term gas transit contract between Russia and Ukraine. In our opinion, it should cover commercially viable gas volumes. This will allow the continued operation of the Ukrainian GTS and will enable it to remain commercially reasonable. This is what we propose, "he told RIA Novosti.. In other words, the EC was thought to impose on Russia responsibility for maintaining the Ukrainian GTS in working order. Moreover, to profit from the pumping of Russian gas in this way will not only be able to Kiev, but Europeans themselves. At least Sheftovich does not hide that if Gazprom and Naftogaz sign an agreement for a long period and a large amount, the EU will not stand aside.

"Dear European companies are ready to come and manage this GTS, if there is a long-term order and commercially viable volumes (gas)," said the Vice President of the European Commission. According to him, European representatives are ready to mediate negotiations on the transit of gas from Russia through Ukraine. Earlier, Gazprom notified Naftogaz of its intention to dissolve through Stockholm Arbitration all agreements between the parties, including an agreement on the transit of gas to Europe, as earlier decisions on the dispute between the two companies created an imbalance of interests and made cooperation unprofitable for Gazprom,.