Graphic from eer.ru
Russia suggests the new package of gas agreements that may be signed at a forthcoming meeting between Russia, Ukraine and the EU will include Ukrainian commitments to buy gas and pump it into its underground storage facilities, as well as the provision by the EU of aid to help Kyiv keep its commitments.
Russian Minister of Energy Alexander Novak announced these conditions for a gas deal between Ukraine and Russia while he was in Vienna, according to the Russian information agency Prime.
"Our employees are working on the document, we would like that this document would also include Ukraine’s commitments for purchasing and pumping gas in its underground storage facilities, as well as volumes and commitments of the European side, which would deal with financial assistance provision, because as you know, there [in Ukraine] there is now a problem with ensuring enough funds for pumping gas in underground storage facilities," Novak said.
The minister said that Russia would be ready to sign such document.
The trilateral meeting may be held in late June, he said.
"We will set the date together with Šefčovič [Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the EC for Energy Union] and Demchyshyn [Ukrainian Energy Minister], most likely it will be after June 20," Novak said.