Stopping Russian Gas Transit Through Ukraine Is One of Moscow’s “Most Costly Defeats”, White House Says

The White House called Ukraine’s decision to terminate the transit of Russian gas one of Moscow’s “most costly defeats” and assured allies that the United States is working to increase energy supplies to Europe, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said during a briefing, according to Ukrinform on January 9.

“This will clearly deprive Russia of approximately $6.5 billion in annual revenue from gas sales to Europe. It’s one of the biggest and most expensive losses for Moscow. Of course, we welcome Ukraine’s decision and its resolve,” he said.

Kirby noted that 25 years ago when Vladimir Putin rose to power, more than 130 billion cubic meters of gas were transported annually through Ukraine to Europe.

“Today, that number is zero,” he added.

The White House representative emphasized that the US is actively working to ensure that Russia faces financial losses through sanctions and export restrictions.

Simultaneously, the US is striving to boost energy supplies to Europe, particularly liquefied natural gas.

“Today, 50% of Europe’s LNG imports come from the United States. We continue to work with Europe to support these efforts and expand opportunities for diversification, particularly through the US-EU Energy Security Task Force and the US-EU Energy Council,” Kirby said.

Ukraine ceased transiting Russian natural gas on January 1, 2025, and its gas transmission system is now operating in a no-transit mode.