Novak: No talks between Russia, Azerbaijan on swap gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine

Russia and Azerbaijan aren't conducting negotiations on swap gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine's gas transportation system, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said, Report informs via Interfax.

"No. Not yet," he said, answering a question about the existence of such negotiations.

In 2025, the long-term contract between Russia's Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogaz for gas transit to Europe expired. Ukraine refused to extend the agreement, resulting in the suspension of Russian gas supplies of 15 billion cubic meters per year intended for Austria and Slovakia.

Austria, recognizing the complexity of continuing transit, decided to terminate its contract with Gazprom.

Slovakia and Hungary, on the contrary, are interested in maintaining Russian gas supplies. One of the possible solutions to the disputed situation is involving intermediaries from other countries to conclude a new transit agreement with Ukraine.