“Turkish Stream” / Collage: Glavred, photo: Ukrtransgaz, UNIAN
Washington has granted Turkey and Slovakia an extension of the refusal to pay for Russian gas supplies, which will allow them to avoid violating sanctions. According to Reuters sources, this decision will be valid until May.
The context of sanctions
In November 2024, the United States imposed new sanctions on Russia’s Gazprombank, a key financial institution that processes gas payments from Gazprom’s European customers. This was part of Washington’s broader strategy to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war against Ukraine.
However, in December, Turkey, along with Hungary and Slovakia, received a temporary waiver of sanctions, allowing them to continue purchasing Russian gas without the risk of violating the restrictions.
“Turkish Stream – a strategic supply route
Turkey and Slovakia receive Russian gas through the Turkish Stream pipeline, which runs under the Black Sea. After the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Europe at the end of 2024, Slovakia found itself in a difficult position and had to rely on Hungarian supplies.
However, in February, Slovakia’s main gas importer, SPP, said that Gazprom had resumed direct supplies using the volumes that Hungary had refused to supply under the Turkish Stream.
Reaction of the parties
Official Ankara refused to comment on the extension, and the ministries of finance and economy of Turkey and Slovakia did not respond to journalists’ inquiries.
At the time of publication of the news, Hungary did not give an official comment on the possible extension of a similar waiver for its country.
What does this decision mean?
The extension of gas exemptions for Turkey and Slovakia shows that the US is balancing sanctions pressure on Russia with the need to ensure the energy stability of its allies. It also highlights the growing role of the Turkish Stream in European gas supply, especially after the reduction of traditional transit routes.
However, it is not yet clear whether Washington will continue this policy after May, or whether the allies will have to look for new sources of energy in the context of the sanctions war between the West and Russia.
