From 2025, Russian gas will no longer flow to Europe via Ukraine. The CEO of the Ukrainian gas company Naftogaz announced this plan. The plan could have serious consequences for gas prices in Europe, fears oil and gas expert Ronald de Zoete. “We’re going to have a problem. Energy bills are going to go up.”

BNR brings you the most important news about the Ukraine war this week so you can be fully informed.

Although our gas storage facilities are now well stocked, every cubic meter of gas that will be reduced in the future will still need to be purchased elsewhere. He added, “Every cubic meter of gas that comes in smaller quantities will have to be purchased from the spot market, and this will cost us additional money.” Hence your energy bills will rise.

Russia opens the attack

At the same time as the Naftogaz Chairman’s decision was issued, Russia actually began its offensive on the war front this week. The country strengthened its positions around the city of Bashmut in eastern Ukraine, but also intensified its attacks. “In the area around Bashmut, the enemy has significantly strengthened its positions and focused on attack rather than defense,” said General Oleksandr Sersky, commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. In May, Russia captured Bashmut after months of bloody battle. Since then, Ukraine has been trying to reclaim the city, but it has not been without struggle.

Drones

Meanwhile, drone trade to Ukraine and Russia is booming, with the Netherlands having an important position, the National Office for Research has discovered. Foreign buyers purchase shipments of drones intended for civilian use, which are then transported to the front in Ukraine for use in the war. The Chinese government may ban the use of drones, but because Dutch companies purchase large quantities, drones still end up in Ukraine.

Stronger defense system

While Ukraine imports drones from the Netherlands on a large scale, the country is creating breathing space for itself by linking up the country’s air defense systems. The country receives assistance from the United States. “If this works, Ukraine can act more effectively during the winter period,” says former army commander Mart de Kruif. However, the process is quite important, because the systems come from all different countries. Ultimately, an effective defense system can be created. This allows a single aerial picture to be built using all those sensors, radars and weapons. “Then you can deal more intelligently with everything that comes through the air,” says De Kruif.