Russia may try to stop gas transit to Europe via Ukrainian GTS, - Andriy Kobolev

Ukraine needs to prepare for possible attempts by the aggressor country to destroy gas supply and gas transportation facilities.

This was said by Andriy Kobolev, Chairman of the Naftogaz of Ukraine Board in 2014-21, at the Kyiv Security Forum, founded by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation “Open Ukraine”.

“With great probability, we can expect attempts by the russian federation to stop all gas supplies that go to Europe through the territory of Ukraine. This can be done through military devices or otherwise. And in this situation, of critical importance become our readiness to brace up, and gas reserves in our gas storage facilities, as well as the safety of gas transportation and gas supply facilities across the country,” he said.

Andriy Kobolev also stressed that “gas has advantages” over electric power facilities.

“These (gas) facilities are better protected, for example, gas pipes go underground. Accordingly, there is hope that their destruction is a more difficult task than demolishing power networks. Still, it is quite reasonable to expect such acts, and we need to prepare now,” added the former head of Naftogaz.