The pipelines network between Russia and Ukraine has historically been an important aspect of their energy relationship. Here is an overview of the pipelines and their significance:
Trans-Balkan Pipeline: The Trans-Balkan Pipeline system consists of several interconnected pipelines that transport Russian natural gas through Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria. The main pipelines in this system are the Soyuz, Bratstvo, and Trans-Balkan pipelines. They play a crucial role in delivering Russian gas to the Balkan countries and supplying gas to Turkey.
Yamal-Europe Pipeline: The Yamal-Europe Pipeline connects the gas fields in Russia's Yamal Peninsula to Western Europe via Belarus and Poland, with Ukraine serving as a transit country. It provides a direct route for Russian gas exports to Europe, bypassing traditional transit routes through Ukraine.
Nord Stream Pipeline: The Nord Stream Pipeline is an offshore natural gas pipeline that runs across the Baltic Sea, connecting Russia directly to Germany. It bypasses Ukraine entirely, providing an alternative route for Russian gas exports to Europe. Nord Stream 1 became operational in 2011, and Nord Stream 2, a parallel pipeline, was completed in 2021.
TurkStream Pipeline: The TurkStream Pipeline is another offshore natural gas pipeline that transports Russian gas to Turkey via the Black Sea. It consists of two parallel pipelines, each with a capacity of 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas per year. The pipeline enables Russia to supply gas directly to Turkey, replacing the previous route through Ukraine and Bulgaria.
The pipelines have been a source of geopolitical tension between Russia and Ukraine, as well as between Russia and some European countries. Ukraine has historically relied on transit fees from Russian gas exports to Europe, and the bypassing of Ukrainian territory through projects like Nord Stream and TurkStream has economic and political implications. Disputes over gas pricing, transit terms, and political conflicts have led to several interruptions in gas supplies in the past.