Gas transit deal and Kerch rail bridge: Russia–Ukraine economy ties
A look back at the energy and infrastructure news surrounding 24 December 2019, from a new gas transit agreement to a pipeline delayed by sanctions.
What was the state of the region's energy and transport economy on 24 December 2019? In the days leading up to that date, three developments shaped the picture.
On 21 December 2019, Russia and Ukraine reached a new five-year agreement on gas transit. The deal covered the movement of Russian gas across Ukrainian territory.
The same day, Nord Stream 2, the Russian gas pipeline to Europe, said it would finish construction as soon as possible. The statement followed a decision by a contractor to suspend pipe-laying work because of U.S. sanctions on the project.
On 23 December 2019, a railway bridge over the Kerch Strait connecting Russia and Crimea was inaugurated. The bridge is the longest of its kind in Europe.
Taken together, the events of those days involved gas supply routes and a new transport link, all tied to Russia's relations with Ukraine and with Europe.
