He made this statement at a press conference in Kyiv following a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
“Azerbaijan has significant export capacities — up to 25 billion cubic meters of gas. If European countries need gas, we can use our infrastructure. But not for Russian gas,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
This proposal comes amid the cessation of Russian gas supplies through Ukrainian territory, which sparked sharp criticism from Slovakia and Hungary, as they had previously received substantial volumes of Russian gas via this route.
During a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine and Moldova are seeking urgent solutions to the energy crisis in Transnistria.
“We will not let Russia profit from this. But we are ready to help Azerbaijan and Slovakia. We can quickly sign contracts and establish supplies,” the Ukrainian leader stated.
However, experts express doubts about Azerbaijan’s ability to significantly increase gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine.
“Azerbaijan is trying to position itself as a major EU energy partner, but its production capacities are limited,” said Aura Sabadus, a gas market expert.
It is worth noting that in December 2024, the gas transit agreement between Ukraine and Russia expired. Zelenskyy has declared that Ukraine does not intend to renew this agreement.
“We will not continue the transit of Russian gas. We will not let them earn billions on our blood,” he said earlier.
This issue is expected to be discussed at the upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers, where Hungary has already threatened to block the extension of sanctions against Russia if Ukraine does not make concessions.