Aug 16 (Reuters) – Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko said on Wednesday Kyiv will not join in talks with Russia about a renewal of the contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory which is due to expire next year.

„We will not be a party at the talks with the Russians for sure, it’s absolutely obvious,“ he told the Ukrainian service of U.S. broadcaster Voice Of America.

Russia has said that it would consider extending the contract that allows it to send gas to Europe via Ukraine beyond 2024, if the European Union – that has pledged to quit Russian gas by 2027

Galushchenko said that chances were high that there would be no demand for Russian gas in European countries.

„The next year will show if Europe can function without Russian gas at all,“ Voice Of America quoted him as saying.

„I see all preconditions for that to happen.“