Ukraine and Russia agree on full implementation of ‘winter gas package’

Kyiv will buy up to 114 million cubic meters of gas daily from Gazprom on a pre-payment basis until the end of March.

Shevchovich was speaking on Monday in Brussels following tripartite gas talks between Ukraine, Russia and the EU, UNIAN correspondent has reported.

"I am pleased that we were able to secure the full implementation of the winter package to meet the needs of Ukraine. I am pleased that the supply of gas to the EU market remains robust," Shevchovich’s statement reads.

He also noted that the parties have confirmed their intention to fully implement the previously agreed winter package.

"In this regard, the following commitments were highlighted: Naftogaz will pay in advance and request from Gazprom sufficient amounts of gas to cover all domestic needs of Ukraine in March. Naftogaz further guarantees a continuous supply of gas to the EU. Gazprom will supply up to 114 million cubic meters of gas daily on a pre-paid basis and will ensure the necessary amount of gas through mutually agreed supply stations," as reported by the EU representative.

The vice-president confirmed that the parties recognize the complexity of the issue of gas supplies to the occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions from the "legislative, political and technical points of view."

"This will be discussed later. The parties also expressed their commitment to continue the tripartite negotiations to agree on the next gas package. On this basis, the European Commission will work out the agenda and invite the parties to meet by the end of March 2015," Shevchovich said.

In turn, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said that the results of the gas talks could "help bridge the gap of differences [of opinion] on gas supplies between Ukraine and Russia."

"These efforts are part of the concrete support of the European Union for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements," Mogherini said.