Kiev dreads that Europeans accelerate the commissioning of a Russo-German pipeline, North Stream 2, which would feed Europe bypassing Ukraine.
Le Monde with AFP
The pipeline of the discord. In the middle of the world energy crisis that strengthens the hand of the Russian gas giant and while the course of blue gold flies, Kiev fears that Europeans accelerate the commissioning of a Russo-German gas pipeline, the North Stream 2, which would power Europe bypassing Ukraine, depriving in passing this country of lucrative transit rights. Ukraine asked, Tuesday, October 12, at a summit with the European Union (EU), more support to defend its interests in front of Moscow,
The North Stream 2, Pipeline with a capacity of 55 billion M 3 annual, is finished and its filling started last week. It does not wait for the green light of a German controller. To display their support for this country weakened since 2014 through the Russian annexation of Crimea and a war with Proressian separatists, the leaders of the European Council Charles Michel and the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen went on Tuesday in Kiev for Y Meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Energy security is crucial” “
North Stream 2 “poses new challenges to Ukraine who are in addition to those who already existed,” said Zelensky at a press conference at the end of this summit. “Energy security is crucial for the independence of Ukraine (…). It is necessary to develop a common long-term vision of Europe’s energy security,” he added.
m. Michel and M me Von der Leyen have repeatedly affirmed “understanding the concerns” of Ukraine and promised to “strengthen cooperation”. The EU and Kiev “study different scenarios to ensure sufficient supply to Ukraine” who “is and must remain a reliable country of transit,” said M me von der Leyen. In particular, she mentioned the possibility of coordinating on the issue of gas stocks and even supply Ukraine from neighboring Slovakia, “if necessary”.
The construction of the Russo-German tube threatens to deprive Ukraine, the country among the poorest of Europe, about one billion euros per year affected for the transit of Russian gas through its territory. For its detractors in the EU, this tube will increase European dependence on Moscow that will use it as a geopolitical weapon. The Kremlin is already suspected by some to supply the current outbreak of prices, not further opening the valves, in order to accelerate the commissioning of this pipeline.
“You can count on The EU “
Russia denied any role in this crisis and assured wanting to stabilize the courses. It is the European countries that “made mistakes” by favoring cash purchases at long-term contracts, the Russian president, Vladimir Putin last week. The Russian head of state has nevertheless promised not to put Kiev “in a difficult position” by cutting the tap. But these remarks are far from reassuring Ukraine, which fears that Russia, in addition to Crimea, feeds additional territorial ambitions.
“You can count on the EU” to support Kiev, said Tuesday Mr. Michel. “In a repeated and constant way, we condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea,” he added. However, beyond verbal support, Ukraine hopes to accelerate its EU and NATO membership process.
For their part, Europeans demand in Kiev more reform efforts, including its judicial, notoriously corrupt system. But these drag for years. M me von der Leyen praised Tuesday the “road traveled”, but called to “stay focused on reforms”, fight against corruption and reduce the influence of oligarchs. “It’s clear that we’re walking in the same direction, but where is the finish line? Is there only one?”, “Said Zelensky.