Russian gas supplies to Europe via the TurkStream pipeline have been suspended due to urgent maintenance work. The disruption, which will last until at least June 10, affects deliveries to Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary and Slovakia.
The announcement was made by ENTSOG, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas. The work is taking place at the Russkaya compressor station near the village of Gay-Kodzor in Russia’s Krasnodar region – the starting point of the pipeline that runs under the Black Sea to Turkey. In recent days, the station has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes, which may have caused partial damage to the infrastructure.
TurkStream as the sole route for Russian gas to Europe
TurkStream is currently the only gas pipeline that Gazprom uses to export gas to Europe, after the transit agreement with Ukraine expired. The pipeline has two lines, each with an annual capacity of 15.75 billion cubic meters. In 2025, Turkey received 7.6 billion cubic meters for its own needs, while European countries imported 18 billion cubic meters via the same route.
In addition to the work on the Russian section, maintenance is also being carried out on the Bulgarian section operated by Bulgartransgaz. This simultaneous activity underlines the vulnerability of the remaining supply corridor for Russian gas to Central and Southern Europe.
Impact on European energy security
The halt comes at a time when several European countries still rely on Russian gas despite efforts to diversify. – The suspension of TurkStream supplies, even if temporary, exposes the continued dependence of some EU members on Russian energy – said an analyst from the Warsaw-based Centre for Eastern Studies. – It also highlights the geopolitical risks associated with pipeline infrastructure that passes through conflict zones.
For Hungary and Slovakia, which have been vocal in opposing EU sanctions on Russian energy, the interruption is a stark reminder of the fragility of supply. Serbia and Bosnia are also affected, with limited alternative sources in the short term.
The resumption of flows is scheduled after June 10, provided the maintenance is completed and no further damage is found. However, the drone attacks raise questions about the long-term reliability of the TurkStream route as long as the war in Ukraine continues.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock (dragancfm)
