Transit should be used as a tool of influence during negotiations Recently, Ukraine’s President V. Zelenskyy and the Vice Prime Minister for European Integration O. Stefanishyna have spoken about possible resumption of gas transit via the territory of Ukraine. However, they did not specify from which source.

In this regard, I would like to note the following.

Firstly, since February 2, 2025, gas has been transported via the territory of Ukraine to Moldova from Romania (Isaccea — Orlivka entry-exit point).

Secondly, Ukraine is interested in the transit of any gas of non-Russian origin using the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline and further through the GTSU to the EU countries. But are there sufficient volumes of diversification sources for this?

Thirdly, I believe that it would be fair if Ukraine offers, during peace negotiations, to resume the transit of Russian gas and continue the transit of oil in exchange for the return of the ZNPP under its control, together with the city of Energodar and the adjacent infrastructure necessary for the plant operation.

Also, such a proposal should include a demand to stop Russian shelling of the energy and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.

As a reminder: according to the former Prime Minister of Moldova Ion Sturza, Ukraine has already made such proposals, but they were rejected, after which Ukraine refused to make a new contract for the transit of "Azeri" (Russian) gas. Therefore, it is important to put the above arguments on the table for negotiations with the Donald Trump administration and our European allies on ending the war in order to strengthen Ukraine's position.

I believe that this would be a very good negotiating basis for further agreements on a complete cessation of hostilities and ending the hot phase of the war on fair terms for Ukraine.

P.S. Of course, there is no point in talking about resuming Russian gas transit without adequate compensation. This would only demonstrate Ukraine's weakness on the eve of or during important negotiations.

https://razumkov.org.ua/komentari/chy-ie-mozhlyvosti-vidnovlennia-tranzytu-gazu