Arseniy Yatsenyuk: Gas has no label. Reverse gas flow is the first step to energy independence

Ukraine together with partners from Slovakia and the European Commission have taken a step towards the diversification of energy supply and reduction in energy dependence, the Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk said after the opening of Vojany-Uzhgorod gas pipeline in Veľké Kapušany (Slovakia) on Tuesday, September 2.

"Of course, this is not the final solution, but this is a huge step forward. Ukraine today can say that together with our Slovak friends and the Commission, we have taken the first step towards the diversification of energy supply and reduction in energy dependence," the Head of Government noted.

"My answer to President Putin on his harsh statement regarding this reverse flow: the gas has no label. It's just gas. If we pay money, then someone transits it and someone buys it," stressed Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

He reminded that Ukraine had ratified the Third energy package: "We have started a comprehensive reform of Ukrainian energy sector in order to bring it closer to EU standards".

"We did it because we - the EU and Ukraine - were and are united. This is the best recipe for victory. And we did it," Arseniy Yatsenyuk said.