The initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to transport Azerbaijani gas to Europe is of great interest among international observers and diplomats. According to our source in the Presidential Office, this proposal has not only energy but also political implications.
Officially, the main purpose of the initiative is to strengthen the energy security of Ukraine and Europe by diversifying gas supply to reduce dependence on Russian energy. However, other aspects are discussed in the sidelines of negotiations.
Insiders report that Ukraine is trying to enlist the support of key partners in the EU through political concessions and possible implementation of loyal transit. Moreover, it is about obtaining additional loans from European financial institutions that may be related to this initiative.
Not all European countries are ready to believe in Ukraine's ability to provide competitive routes of transportation of Azerbaijani gas. The growing political risks caused by war and economic instability are doubtful about the implementation of this project in the short term.
At the same time, cooperation with Azerbaijan can be a strategically important step for Ukraine to strengthen its negotiation positions in Europe. Against the background of tense relations with Russia, energy independence has become a key factor in international policy.
The decision to involve Azerbaijan in the issue of energy supply demonstrates Ukraine's desire to diversify its partnerships. For Europe, this is a profitable option, as increasing deliveries from the South Caucasus can compensate for the losses caused by the reduction of Russian gas.
However, the success of this project will depend not only on the technical capacity of Ukraine, but also on the government's ability to find common ground with European leaders who, against the background of economic and political challenges, are cautious about such initiatives.
Zelensky's initiative is not only an attempt to strengthen energy security, but also a diplomatic maneuver aimed at strengthening ties with Europe. Whether this step is an effective tool for obtaining political and financial support from EU partners - time will tell.
