Ukraine is warning European nations to prepare for a gas crisis which may emerge due to lack of gas transit contract with Russia.

“Ukraine is warning European nations to prepare for a gas crisis amid skepticism it will agree on a new transit contract with Russia before the current deal expires,” Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Olena Zerkal told Bloomberg by telephone.

According to Zerkal, it’s “highly probable” that a new accord won’t be concluded by January 1, when the current agreement ends.

“While Russia holds off the negotiations on future contract [on gas transit], the gloomy scenario of a gas crisis shall be considered seriously,” the Ukrainian deputy foreign minister said.

That is why every European nation, including Ukraine, is increasing gas stock in storage sites, she added.

The contract on Russian gas transit through the territory of Ukraine expires on December 31, 2019.

Russia has not agreed yet on the conduct of trilateral negotiations on conclusion of a new contract on the transit of gas to the EU via Ukraine’s gas transportation system.

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