You're reading: Putin says increasing Russian gas exports to Europe will ensure utilization of Ukrainian pipeline

BELGRADE – The Russian delegation will discuss transit of gas via Ukraine amid increasing Russian gas shipments to Europe at the oncoming trilateral gas meeting in Brussels, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a news conference following his meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on Jan. 17.

“The top managers of Gazprom will visit Brussels next week to discuss a few things concerning cooperation. By the way, this includes transit via Ukraine, given the increase in current quantities of natural gas shipped to Europe, which last year set a new record above 200 billion cubic meters and continue to grow,” Putin said.

“We will ensure utilization of not only both Nord Streams [Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2] and the TurkStream, but, given the volumes currently shipped to European customers, [Russian gas] transit via Ukraine remains feasible,” he said.