Russia to Discuss Gas Price Cut With Ukraine Only If Debt Paid
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Russia will consider a compromise on natural gas prices with Ukraine only after its neighbor pays its debt for previous supplies, the Energy Ministry said as preparations for talks begin in Brussels today.
Ukraine hasn’t used any of the funds received under a $27 billion international package to pay down its gas debt, Russian Deputy Energy Minister Anatoly Yanovsky told reporters today in Moscow. The country sandwiched between Russia and the European Union received the first $3.2 billion of aid last week. OAO Gazprom, Russia’s gas exporter, has billed Ukraine for $3.51 billion for fuel delivered in 2013 and through April.