Governments of Ukraine and Russia to hold negotiations on gas issue on Saturday

At midnight, January 14, Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko had a phone conversation with Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. During their conversation an agreement was reached to hold gas talks between the governments of the two countries on Saturday, January 17, in Moscow.

The sides discussed principles for solving all problems in the gas sphere. The prime ministers of Ukraine and Russia also discussed conditions to recommence Russian gas transit to EU countries.

Also, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko sent an urgent telegram to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in which she guaranteed that the full volume of natural gas, which Russia will send to the gas transport system of Ukraine, will be delivered to EU countries, with the exception of 8 percent of gas which will be used for technical purposes (to make the gas compressor units of the transport system functioning).

In this telegram the Government of Ukraine also guaranteed to the Government of Russia that Ukraine will pay for natural gas used for technical purposes, immediately after the price for Russian natural gas for Ukraine is agreed.

The dialogue between the prime ministers of Ukraine and Russia was constructive and is a positive sign for solving all the problems in the gas sphere. Prime Minister Tymoshenko believes that it will be possible to find a compromise.

Government portal