KIEV, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine is working to create a joint gas hub with Poland to compensate for the loss of the Russian gas transit, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported Thursday, citing Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolisnyk.

"The end of transit marks the beginning of competition among new routes and resources, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is actively increasing its share in the EU's overall energy mix," Kolisnyk said.

The proposed Eastern European gas hub would leverage Ukraine's storage facilities and Poland's LNG terminals to store and supply gas for consumers in Europe, he added.

Ukraine used to be a key transit route for Russian gas supplies to Europe.

Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed that Kiev will not extend its five-year gas transportation deal with Russia, which expires on Dec. 31.