Gazprom warns of ‘serious risks’ for gas transit to Europe

Gazprom warned on 24 February 2015 that there were 'serious' risks to gas transit to Europe via Ukraine, following Kyiv's alledged failure to make a pre-payment.

Naftogaz, the Ukrainian gas company, had issued a statement on the previous day accusing Gazprom of violating an EU-brokered gas supply protocol and of not supplying prepaid gas to Ukraine. It was reported earlier in the month that Russia had started supplying gas to the troubled region in eastern Ukraine.

Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič stated on 25 February 2015 that he was attempting to mediate between Ukraine and Russia, in order to avoid a new gas crisis.

It was reported on the 27 February 2015 that Ukraine had made a payment to Gazprom.

Vice-President Mr Maroš Šefčovič chaired trilateral talks on energy between the EU, Ukraine and the Russian Federation in Brussels on the 2 March 2015.

Following the meeting Vice-President Šefčovič said: 'I am satisfied that we managed to safeguard the full application of the Winter Package for the supply needs in Ukraine. We also agreed to take up trilateral negotiations on the follow-up to the Winter Package. I am reassured that the supply of gas to the EU markets remains secure'. A follow-up meeting was planned for the end of March 2015.

• Primary Source

Naftogaz: Press Release, 23.02.15: Russia violates Brussels protocol by failing to supply prepaid gas to Ukraine http://naftogaz-europe.com/article/en/naftogazgazprombrjusselskiesoglashenijaeng

Deutsche Welle, 24.02.15: Gazprom warns Europe over gas supplies http://dw.de/p/1EgSd

Euronews, 24.02.15: Gazprom claims Ukraine could run out of gas in two days http://www.euronews.com/2015/02/24/gazprom-claims-ukraine-could-run-out-of-gas-in-two-days/

The Moscow Times, 24.02.15: Russia's Gazprom Sees Gas-Transit Risk After Ukraine Misses Pre-Payment http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/russia-s-gazprom-sees-gas-transit-risk-after-ukraine-misses-pre-payment/516393.html

Sputnik International, 24.02.15: Gazprom Threatens to Halt Gas Supplies to Ukraine if Not Paid in Two Days http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150224/1018669186.html

ESO: Background information: The Russian-Ukrainian Gas Deal: Taking the Bite out of Winter? http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-russian-ukrainian-gas-deal-taking-the-bite-out-of-winter/

EurActiv, 25.02.15: Šefčovič mediating between Russia and Ukraine in order to avert new gas crisis http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/sefcovic-mediates-between-russia-and-ukraine-order-avert-new-gas-crisis-312424

Deutsche Welle, 27.02.15: Ukraine makes gas payment ahead of energy talks with Russia http://dw.de/p/1Eicx

EurActiv, 03.03.15: Brussels talks avert another Ukraine gas crisis http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/brussels-talks-avert-another-ukraine-gas-crisis-312556

European Commission: DG Communication: RAPID: STATEMENT/15/4533: Statement by Vice-President Šefčovič following the trilateral meeting EU-Ukraine-Russia on 2 March http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-15-4533_en.htm

EUObserver, 03.03.15: Ukraine and Russia strike fragile deal on gas deliveries https://euobserver.com/news/127849

Euronews, 03.03.15: Gas row between Russia and Ukraine averted – at least for now http://www.euronews.com/2015/03/03/gas-row-between-russia-and-ukraine-averted-at-least-for-now/

EUrActiv, 19.03.15: Study: Only Bulgaria would be hurt by a new Ukraine gas crisis http://www.euractiv.com/Study%3A%20Only%20Bulgaria%20would%20be%20hurt%20by%20a%20new%20Ukraine%20gas%20crisis

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