Ukraine will not extend the Russian gas transit agreement, - Shmyhal.

Ukraine does not plan to extend the Russian gas transit agreement after 2025 - Shmyhal

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine does not plan to extend the Russian gas transit agreement after its expiration in 2025. He made this announcement during a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

"Ukraine will not extend the transit agreement with Russia after its expiration," Shmyhal emphasized.

According to the Ukrainian Prime Minister, Ukraine's strategic goal is to impose sanctions on Russian gas and deprive the Kremlin of revenues from hydrocarbon sales. Shmyhal noted that Ukraine understands the dependency of certain countries, particularly Slovakia, on Russian gas, but is counting on gradual diversification of supplies.

Fico: The West wants to "bring the Russians to their knees", Ukraine has a chance for EU membership

Earlier, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed a controversial opinion regarding the war in Ukraine. According to him, the conflict persists due to Western support, which aims to "bring the Russians to their knees." Fico also stated that he supports Ukraine's membership in the European Union, although he considers it a "closed path" for the coming years. However, he is categorically against Ukraine joining NATO, claiming that it could lead to "World War III".

Regarding defense spending, the Slovak prime minister confirmed that his country is fulfilling its commitments to NATO to allocate 2% of GDP for defense. However, he does not plan to increase these expenditures and allows for the possibility of directing some funds to civilian projects.