It is somewhat surprising (but also not surprising given energy scarcity fears) that after two-and-a-half years of war, hundreds of thousands of lives tragically lost, and brutal grinding warfare which has also killed many civilians on both sides… that the oldest and biggest economic link between Russia and Europe is still in place: the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory.

A five-year agreement which is set to expire by the end of 2024 has remained uninterrupted, though the share of Russia’s pipeline gas in EU imports has steadily diminished. Yet the reality is that if Europe hopes to diversify away from dependency on Russian LNG, establishing the necessary alternate infrastructure is a costly and lengthy process.

Bloomberg reported Monday that European officials are currently discussing plans to keep the gas flowing through a key Russia-Ukraine pipeline, and that Ukraine – which has hit desperation given its dire wartime energy needs and situation – favors it.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/european-leaders-might-renew-contract-keep-russia-ukraine-gas-pipeline-flowing-despite

 

But WHY would Russia want to continue this relationship — NATO is trying to destroy them — they have moved up to 4th largest economy in the world (IMF) AFTER the sanctions and blowing up of the pipeline — why would they solve the heating problems of those that swear to do them harm???