There's a danger that the shutdown of gas transit via the Ukrainian territory will increase the risk of a large-scale conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Yuriy Vitrenko, the sales manager of Naftogaz Ukraine company said this to 112 Ukraine TV channel in an interview.
'We are now making sure that European politicians are aware of this issue as well; they should realize not only the economic consequences of this for Ukraine but also geopolitical consequences for the entire world', he said.
On April 24, Russia's Gazprom, the state-run energy monopolist ruled out the possibility to extend the gas transit contract with Naftogaz Ukraine. The Russian side mentioned there are no official negotiations in this regard so far.