KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine on Thursday suggested bringing in European and U.S. companies to help operate the strategic pipeline that carries Russian natural gas across the country to Europe.

The move is part of an effort to revamp the pipeline, which is among Kiev’s most valuable assets, and ensure Ukraine remains a key transit country for gas to Europe. Analysts say it’s also an attempt to defuse potential claims that Ukraine might be siphoning gas intended for European customers.