MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Ukraine is ready to continue the transit of gas from Russia through its territory after 2024, if there is a request from European countries, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal announced.

"If European countries act either as a consortium, or if one of the European partners acts as a transit country for their gas, then we are ready to provide such a service, as we have done until now. Here the initiative is on the side of the EU," he said at a press conference, which was broadcast on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers.

Shmygal added that Kiev itself is not going to negotiate this with Moscow, but is ready to talk with European countries.

The transit line through Ukraine remains the only route for Russian gas supplies to the countries of Western and Central Europe after the destruction at Nord Stream. Russian gas supplies have been going through Ukraine in a reduced volume since May 2022, when the operator of Gas Transmission System of Ukraine announced the cessation of transit to Europe through the Sokhranovka station due to force majeure. The company allegedly cannot exercise control over the Novopskov compressor station in the People republic of Lugansk. However, the Russian gas holding Gazprom did not see any reason to stop pumping as before.

The agreement on the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory expires at the end of 2024. Kiev previously stated that they did not intend to extend the agreement on the transit of Russian gas.