Russia has no plans to monopolize Ukraine`s natural gas transportation system, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday at his final Kremlin news conference, according to RIA Novosti.
Putin said Russia only wanted the system to function normally, adding that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to set up an international gas consortium with the participation of European partners to attract funds to maintain the system and ensure its development.
Putin said the Ukrainian gas transportation system would remain under Ukraine`s ownership.
The Russian president said it was natural for Russia to seek market prices for gas supplies to other countries.
"I am pleased to say that the Ukrainian leadership, first of all, the president, understands this well," Putin said.
