Russia is not considering the possibility of transporting Azerbaijani natural gas to the European Union (EU) via the Ukrainian transit system, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said.

“It is not up for discussion,” Novak said laconically.

Earlier, there were reports that Ukraine was looking into the possibility of transporting Azerbaijani natural gas to the EU via its territory after the expiration of its transit agreement with Russia’s Gazprom company. But for such a route to be implemented, this natural gas will have to come via Russia.

The transit of Russian natural gas through Ukraine to Europe has been completely suspended since January 1 due to Kyiv not extending the respective agreement.

Later, Reuters reported that the European Commission of the EU plans to continue negotiations with the Ukrainian authorities on the transportation of natural gas to the EU via the Ukrainian GTS. Hungary and Slovakia are also expected to participate in this discussion.

According to Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia, Juraj Blanar, the matter of transit of Azerbaijani natural gas to the EU also may be discussed within the framework of these talks.