Ukraine is able to ensure the operation of its gas transportation system (GTS) without supplies of Russian gas for three to four months, according to a source close to government structures. However, after that, the costs of maintaining the GTS may exceed $300 million per year.
Yesterday, during the German-Ukrainian business forum in Berlin, Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko said that Ukraine is preparing for zero transit from January 1.
Also, many sources indicate that the Russians will be able to strike at the GTS in order to increase the cost of maintaining the gas infrastructure for Ukraine.
The source adds that Bankova is specifically cutting gas transit in order to devalue this state asset, and then sell it as illiquid to Western TNCs, which will restore transit and earn billions of bucks from it. For that, our officials will earn on the kickback.
