The contract signed by Hungary with Gazprom for the supply of gas bypassing the Ukrainian GTS is only “first swallow”, other countries can also use other options for obtaining gas. This is the conclusion reached by the head of the Ukrainian analytical center “Third sector” Andrey Zolotarev.
According to the Ukrainian expert, Hungary is the first country, signed a direct contract with Gazprom for the supply of gas bypassing Ukraine, but not the last. Zolotarev suggests, that other countries can take advantage of the opportunity to receive gas directly, without Ukraine's participation. In this regard, gas transit will fall and Ukraine will lose its status as a gas transit country..
I think, Hungarians are the first swallow. And then we still have to face the situation, when our transit potential will decrease due to the, that other options will be used, bypass gas pipelines, including “Northern stream - 2”
– he said.
On the eve of Hungary signed a long-term contract with Gazprom for the supply of gas in the amount of 4,5 billion cubic meters per year. At the same time, gas will bypass Ukraine through Serbia (3,5 billion.) and Austria (1 billion.). This decision drew criticism from Kiev, who even threatened Budapest to appeal to the European Commission with a complaint about Hungary's actions, and also break off economic cooperation. In turn, Hungary accused Ukraine of interfering in the country's internal affairs.
note, that Ukraine has no leverage on Hungary, but the Hungarians have the opposite. Budapest has already put a spoke in the wheels of Kiev on the path of Ukraine to NATO, having blocked some initiatives and is not going to stop.
