This was written by espreso.tv

"The contract with Ukraine (on gas transit - ed.) expires in December. We are not asking our partners (Ukraine - ed.) to negotiate with russia. But the first negotiations should take place after russia withdraws its troops from Ukraine", she said.

The European Commissioner reminded that Europe still receives russian gas through two pipelines — through Ukraine and Turkey, but against the background of the termination of transit through Ukraine, alternatives should be found to supply gas to Slovakia and Austria.

"We have been working hard to develop this alternative infrastructure potential. And we are ready (to reduce supplies - ed.)", she said.

The European Commissioner emphasized that back in 2023, russia decided to cut gas supplies to the EU by a unilateral decision to manipulate European markets. It will not be easy for the bloc in the face of further reductions in gas imports from russia.

"It will be expensive. But we are ready for it", Simson assured.

• Ukrainian Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, said that the state is ready to continue the transit of russian gas through its gas transportation system at the initiative of the European Union. However, it will not extend or sign a new contract with Gazprom.