German Government: Ukraine should remain gas transit country when Nord Stream 2 is launched

"As for political dimension of the Nord Stream 2 project, it is important for the federal government that Ukraine remains a gas transit country along with [the operation of] Nord Stream 2," a representative of the German government announced on Tuesday.

According to him, the Chancellor has repeatedly indicated that the continuation of gas transit through Ukraine after 2019 meets the interests of Germany and other EU member states. "This position remains unchanged," the government official stressed.

As noted, the elaboration of a gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine, as well as any other alternatives, is subject to ongoing trilateral negotiations between the European Commission, Russia and Ukraine. The federal government maintains close communication with its members, official Berlin assured.

As reported, the European Commission confirmed that trilateral talks between the EC, Ukraine and Russia on the transit of Russian gas to European consumers across the territory of Ukraine would take place on Thursday, September 19.

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