Ukraine Nears Russian Gas Deal as Eastern Clashes Persist
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Russia and Ukraine moved closer to a deal that would keep gas flowing between the countries even as they spar over Russian support for separatists seeking to break away from the government in Kiev.
After talks brokered by the European Union in Berlin, Ukraine made its first payment in months to Russia’s OAO Gazprom, transferring $786 million to pay for gas received in February and March. While debts and future payments remain in dispute, EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger welcomed yesterday’s steps as “building blocks for a package that, given the evident goodwill of all parties today, doesn’t seem out of reach.” Talks are due to continue on June 2 and Ukraine doesn’t rule out arbitration as a solution to the price dispute.