Oleksiy Orzhel / REUTERS
Orzhel hopes for reaching an agreement with Russia on gas transit from next year.
Ukrainian Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection Oleksiy Orzhel has called the proposal of Russia's Gazprom regarding gas transit via Ukraine from January 2020 unacceptable since it suggested a complete rejection by the Ukrainian side of its international arbitration awards and further conclusion of an annual contract.
Read alsoNaftogaz receives official offer from Gazprom for gas transit from January 2020
"Russia's proposal is unacceptable, that is the refusal from arbitration [awards] and signing an agreement to use the Ukrainian [gas transmission system] GTS for one year only," he told a Ukrainian TV channel on November 19.
At the same time, Orzhel expressed hope that it would be possible to reach an agreement with Russia on gas transit from next year.
"Nevertheless, I hope that we will find the possibility of a constructive dialogue with the Russian side. Earlier, it seemed to me that we are in a more constructive position," he said.
As UNIAN reported, National Joint-Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine on November 18 received an official offer from Russia's Gazprom to extend the existing gas transit contract from January 2020 for a one-year period.
According to Gazprom, the required conditions for the extension of an existing contract or the conclusion of a new one are the refusal of both parties from all mutual claims in international arbitration and the termination of all relevant legal proceedings. In addition, Gazprom proposed that the Anti-Monopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) revoke its decision on a fine imposed on Gazprom for allegedly the "violation of economic competition." Gazprom also wants Naftogaz to withdraw its motion for a probe by the European Commission against Gazprom.