Russia is interested in building new pipelines and does not consider participation in the modernization of the Ukrainian gas transport system a priority, Russian Ambassador to Ukraine Mikhail Zurabov said at the forum Ukrainian-Russian Economic Dialogue. Prospects and Problems of Economic Cooperation in Kyiv on Thursday.
"It’s profitable for us to build a pipeline. Do you understand this? A new pipeline is additional metal, additional capacities, and additional pipe. We are not interested in this pipe in Ukraine because it’s past work," the diplomat said.
Zurabov added that the construction of new gas pipelines will help Russia build its own industry and increase its GDP.
He believes that the construction of new gas pipelines became economically profitable for Russia after the rate on gas transit through Ukraine was raised.
"No matter how often I send this signal to our Ukrainian partners, they for some reason think: ‘No problem, we’ll find a way out.’ A way out will be found. It has been found on the Ukrainian gas transport system. It just doesn’t exist," the ambassador said.
Zurabov pointed out a number of other problems in Ukrainian-Russian relations. "The current bilateral economic cooperation between Russia and Ukraine does not tell me anything because it is just an effect of the system of relations, including industrial, that was created under the Soviets," Zurabov said.
