VIENNA, 4 Nov. Even if Vienna tried to influence Kiev's decision on the transit of Russian gas to Europe would hardly have been heard, said Russian Ambassador to Austria Dmitry Lyubinsky.
Earlier, the head of Naftogaz said that Ukraine is not going to renew the agreement on the transit of Russian gas to Europe, which expires at the end next year.
“There is great doubt that Vienna, in principle, has a real opportunity to be heard at Bankovaya in Kiev, even if there were a desire to influence decisions made there,” the ambassador said.
At the same time, according to him, statements from Kiev caused quite a sharp reaction in Vienna.
“There have been a lot of nervous assessments in the press. The coalition government, represented by the Ministry of Energy, nevertheless repeats like a mantra the task of reducing energy dependence on Moscow until 2027. The leading energy concern OMV reassuringly reports on the steps being taken and some emerging successes along this path. But in all these loud assurances are silent on the main thing, namely the “price of the issue,” that is, how much all this would cost our own citizens – taxpayers,” the diplomat noted.
He recalled that “supplies of Russian gas at acceptable, reasonable prices for over half a century, we have absolutely reliably ensured in many ways a decent level of development of the Austrian economy and the well-being of Austrian society.”
“We have conscientiously fulfilled all obligations that are contractually enshrined until 2040. And if Vienna with its own hands is leading to the undermining of the basis of material well-being own population, especially in conditions of economic recession, then this is a question for the Austrian government,” concluded Lyubinsky.
The Russian Federation has previously stated more than once that the West made a serious mistake by refusing to buy hydrocarbons from Russia; it will end up in a new one, stronger dependence due to higher prices. Moscow stated that those who refused would still buy at a higher price through intermediaries and would continue to buy Russian oil and gas.