The Energy Charter regrets the escalation in the gas relations between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since early March, the Energy Charter has drawn the attention to the risk that disputes between Russia and Ukraine can impact transit flows to Europe. By establishing a Contact Group, I have offered the Energy Charter as a platform to exchange information and to enhance transparency on transit flows. I particularly regret that my initiative to collect data on gas flows in real time has not been supported by the parties concerned. In this context, I welcome today's statement by the Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Mr. Yuriy Prodan to secure reliable transit through Ukraine. The Energy Charter Secretariat is ready to provide a platform for the parties concerned, the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the European Union, in order to look for mutually acceptable solutions. I also invite all members of the Energy Charter to actively engage in the development of a mechanism providing for transparency and early warning as an important element of energy security.