Ukraine, Russia and EU energy chiefs meet to finalize gas deal

Reuters — Russia and Ukraine aim to resolve an impasse over natural gas supplies on Tuesday as their energy ministers meet in Brussels for talks brokered by the European Union’s energy commissioner.
Citing unpaid bills worth more than $5 billion, Russia cut off gas flows to Kiev in mid-June, adding to tensions sparked by Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region.
After months of stalemate, pressure has mounted to reach a deal to allow gas deliveries for heating as winter approaches.
Differences remain but Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said ahead of the talks that he hoped to finalise a deal on Tuesday.
The three sides arrived in Brussels for negotiations provisionally set to end by 12:00 GMT although officials warned they could run over.
The focus is on price, the number of payments Kiev should make, and the volume of gas Ukraine would get from Russia over the winter period, Commission spokeswoman Marlene Holzner said earlier.
Despite cutting off gas for Kiev, Russian exporter Gazprom has not cut supplies flowing through the country en route to EU member states.
The European Union relies on Russia for around one third of its gas, roughly half of which flows via Ukraine.
EU governments are concerned, however, and leaders will discuss ways to curb dependence on Russian energy at summit talks in Brussels on Thursday and Friday.
Two previous price rows between Russia and Ukraine in 2006 and 2009 did impact supply to EU nations.
The gas row this time is more complicated due to the deterioration in relations between Moscow and Kiev, although EU leaders also say solving it could help to defuse wider tensions.
After the ouster of pro-Moscow Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich in February, Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region and has been accused of backing pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country where more than 3,700 people have died.

Источник: IPnews

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