REUTERS
The protocol is yet to be approved in Ukrainian and Russian capitals before the signing of the final agreement.
Ukraine and Russia during today's round of trilateral talks in Berlin, held with the mediation of the European Commission, reached an "agreement in principle" on gas transit after the existing contract between Naftogaz and Gazprom expires, that is, from January 1, 2020.
"It was a very long day and very intensive negotiations," EU's Maros Sefcovic said in Berlin at a joint briefing with energy ministers of Ukraine and Russia, Oleksiy Orzhel and Alexander Novak, following the talks.
"We have reached an agreement in principle on all key elements, which I believe is very good and very positive news for Europe, for Russia, for Ukraine, for gas markets, and for citizens of all countries," said Sefcovic.
He added that the parties did not intend to proceed on the same day with the details.
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The agreement, reached in principle, is yet to be finalized and approved in Ukrainian and Russian capitals before proceeding to formal signatures, the EU official said.
"We have worked very well today. It was high-quality work on the final protocol of the decision, which takes us closer to signing final agreements. Now we're at a stage where we are to approve this with our respective capitals," Energy Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Orzhel said.
"I'm sure we will reach positive results for all parties," the minister concluded.