OREANDA-NEWS. Russia will maintain gas transit to Europe through Ukraine, although this route is more expensive for it, but the main issue is the volumes and terms for which a transit contract will be concluded. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a large press conference on Thursday.

“Despite the construction of new infrastructure facilities, such as Nord Stream, Nord Stream 2, and Turkish Stream, we will maintain transit through Ukraine. The issue is the volumes of this transit and the terms for which a contract can be concluded”, he said.

At the same time, Putin noted that Russia doesn't seek to conclude a contract for some time in order to later stop transit through Ukraine. "This is a convenient route. By the way, the Ukrainian route to Europe is longer than the route along the Baltic Sea. It's longer and more expensive for us, but, nevertheless, to Central and Southern Europe it is a good, well-established route. We are ready to keep it", added the president.