OREANDA-NEWS. The topic of continuing the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine after 2024 can be discussed if Gazprom has buyers for this fuel, said Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation.

Journalists on Tuesday asked Peskov to comment on the words of the head of Naftogaz Yuri Vitrenko that Russia does not want to negotiate with Ukraine on the extension of the gas transit contract after 2024, and asked when this dialogue could begin. “As for transit affairs, this question should be addressed to Gazprom,” Peskov replied.

He also recalled the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin that in order to send gas in transit, you first need to find end buyers in Europe.

"Until Gazprom decides on this line, then, accordingly, the discussion of the transit topic is in the second place. First, gas must be sold," Peskov said.

The Russian Federation did not support Ukraine's initiative to increase gas transit volumes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier.

“We are ready, but Russia did not agree to this. I heard rhetoric from the Russian side that they are ready to extend the contract. But apart from these statements I have not heard or seen anything else. Substantial meetings between our people, NAK, for example, and Gazprom “there wasn’t,” Zelenskiy said at a press conference in Kiev on Friday.

At the same time, he noted that there was a successful proposal from Ukraine - to initiate an increase in transit volumes and at the same time to reduce its cost.

“We have a contract until 2024. We are for the extension of gas transit. We even said that, in addition to the contract, let’s increase transit. Our capacities allow it. Let's reduce the price of transit. It will be less than any other flows. (... ) I think it was a good step on our part, "the head of state said.