Russia’s gas plans still mired in politics

The Kremlin will be focused on pipeline negotiations with the EU and the sanctions threats from Washington

The critical issues facing Russian gas exports in 2019 revolved around its pipelines to Europe and the renegotiation of a transit contract through Ukraine, which was agreed at the end of December. Rules determining use of the Opal (Ostsee-Pipeline-Anbindungsleitung) pipeline, the status of Turk Stream and the approval of Nord Stream 2 were also important. All these issues will continue to grind on into 2020. Ukraine transit negotiations were resolved at the end of December, ensuring the transit of Russian gas through pipelines on Ukrainian territory for the next five years. Attempts to diversify away from Europe via LNG and pipelines to the east are also underway, while Gazprom’s pricing str