Azerbaijani natural gas will be delivered to Europe via Ukraine
Harici.com.tr14.07.2025 15:51Author
Ukraine and Azerbaijan have signed a new roadmap to expand bilateral cooperation on natural gas production, storage and transportation. Within the scope of the agreement, Ukraine aims to contribute to the energy security of the region by offering Europe's largest underground natural gas storage facilities to the use of Azerbaijan.
Ukraine and Azerbaijan have decided to deepen the strategic energy partnership by signing a new roadmap aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation in the fields of natural gas production, storage and transportation.
The agreement was signed at a high-level meeting in Baku between the Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko, Deputy Minister Mikola Kolisnik and the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov.
The visit was held within the scope of the 13th session of the Azerbaijan-Ukraine Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Commission, which both sides describe as a critical platform to strengthen practical ties in the energy sector.
Minister Galushchenko said, "Azerbaijan is one of the key energy suppliers in Europe. We see a serious potential to expand the partnership in gas production, storage and transportation. The implementation of joint projects will increase energy security in both countries and support economic growth," he said.
Europe's largest facilities open to Azerbaijan
The roadmap, signed by Galushchenko and his Azerbaijani counterpart, includes increasing cooperation in natural gas logistics and infrastructure development.
The talks focused on Ukraine's largest underground gas storage (UGS) facilities.
Emphasizing the value that Ukraine can provide as a regional natural gas center within Europe's energy diversification strategy, Galushenko said, "Ukraine offers underground natural gas storage facilities to its international partners under a 'customs warehouse regime' exempt from taxes and fees."
Potential of cooperation in the Middle Corridor
The talks also discussed energy transit infrastructure, including possible cooperation in the Central Corridor, a transport route connecting Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe.
The parties stated that strengthening this corridor will increase logistical efficiency and energy transit reliability throughout the region.
Deputy Minister Kolisnik drew attention to Azerbaijan's support for stabilizing Ukraine's energy system since the beginning of the total war with Russia, and said, "We very appreciate the solidarity of the Azerbaijani people with Ukraine."
Kolisnik stated that Ukraine is ready to cooperate in joint energy projects, especially with the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and other Azerbaijani companies.
Zelenskiy: Russian gas will no longer pass through Ukraine
On the other hand, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy had previously stated in his statement that they were ready to transport Azerbaijani gas to Europe after Kiev's decision to stop the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory in January.
In a statement at that time, Zelenskiy said, "Azerbaijan produces about 40 billion cubic meters, uses 15 of which and exports the rest. We are ready to help deliver Azerbaijani gas to Europe, but Russian gas will no longer pass through Ukraine," he said.