The disruption of Russian gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine this month sparked strong complaints from Slovakia and Hungary. These countries were still receiving significant gas supplies from Russia.
Zelenskiy said this during a press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. At Saturday’s meeting, the two men agreed to “provide urgent and concrete solutions” to the energy crisis in Transnistria, Moldova’s Russian-backed breakaway region, after Moscow blocked gas flows through Ukraine and so far refused to use alternative routes. Agreed.
“We will not let the Russians take advantage,” Zelensky said. “But will we let the Azerbaijanis make money? With joy. Will we help the Slovaks? With joy. This is what we can do quickly. We will conclude an agreement (transnistrian capital ) can be set up quickly if they take the cue from the people, Tiraspol, Slovakia and other countries in Europe,” the Ukrainian leader said.
But experts doubted Azerbaijan’s ability to supply meaningful new supplies to Europe through Ukraine.
“Azerbaijan is trying to position itself as a key energy partner for the EU,” said Aura Sabadus, a gas market expert at information firm ICIS. “But they are not productive and right now they are punching above their weight.”
According to Sabadus, a deal with Baku would likely involve a volume exchange where Russian supplies would be rebranded as Azerbaijan.
