Ukraine to end transit of Russian gas into Europe (Midnight tonight, East Coast Time)

The natural gas pipeline (Druzhba) being shut off tonight (at midnight on the American East Coast, 7 AM Kyiv time), was strongly opposed by President Reagan, when it was being built. The Reagan Administration levied sanctions on the pipeline, trying to prevent it from being built - but Europeans provided the technology and components that President Reagan blockaded from America.

With the halting of Russian gas flows through this pipeline tonight, not only will President Reagan's vision finally be fulfilled, but it will also mark another significant reduction on Europe's use of Russian energy (about 1/3 of of the gas that has still been flowing, about 14 bcma, depriving Moscow of another $5-7 Billion per year).

Both NordStream Pipelines, Yamal, and now Druzhba will have ceased flowing from Russia to European customers; marking the end of an era. Only the TurkStream Pipeline (second line, with a max capacity of 15.75 bcma) and LNG tanker shipments remain, both of which are also planned for phase out and replacement.

In 2021, the EU imported 155 BCM of Russian gas, which accounted for about 45% of its total gas imports. In 2025, there will only be operating pipeline capacity to import a maximum of 15.75 BCM (about 10% of the pre-war amount). Europe has been taking a bit more LNG cargoes from Russia in 2024 (equivalent to about 22 BCM), but plans are to phase out Russian LNG in 2025, and all Russian oil, gas and coal by 2027.