Ukraine objects to South Stream natural gas pipeline

The Ukrainian government has expressed its frustration over progress with the South Stream natural gas pipeline, saying it is against its national interests.

According to sources, Ukrainian officials have twice notified the European Secretariat of the Energy Community of its aggravation over the plans for the natural gas pipeline through Europe that avoids Ukraine.

"Despite the fact that Ukraine has a well-functioning gas transportation system, which provides continuous energy supplies to Europe amid the absence of investment, individual member countries of the Energy Community have got involved in the South Stream project," a letter to Brussels was quoted by the media as saying.

Russian energy giant Gazprom commenced work on South Stream's construction at the end of last year. Past contractual disputes with Gazprom which resulted in gas transit disruptions through Ukraine, have prompted a move to diversify the European gas transit network.

Currently, around 20% of Europe’s natural gas comes from Russia, though the vast majority of that is transported through Ukraine's gas transit system.

The Ukrainian system delivers around 5 trillion ft³/yr of natural gas to Europe each year. The South Stream pipeline is designed to transport 2.2 trillion ft³/yr.

Edited from various sources by Cecilia Rehn

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