Ukraine Said Ready To Join EU Negotiations With Russia Over Gas
"The talks will focus on the 'winter package' for the next winter," said Naftogaz chief Andrey Kobolev said, adding that Ukraine may resume direct purchases of Russian gas if Moscow agrees on a number of Kyiv's proposals, including on "price, terms of delivery, and, most importantly, on signing an additional agreement."
Kyiv has not bought gas directly from Russia for more than a year as a result of the breakdown in relations caused by Russia's annexation of Crimea and backing of pro-Russia separatists in the east.
Naftogaz did not say which Ukrainian officials will take part in talks in Brussels.
The EU relies on Russia for about a third of its gas, with more than half of that transiting through Ukraine. The deterioration of ties between Moscow and Kyiv has increased the potential for disputes.
European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic has been acting as an intermediary between Russia and Ukraine in the gas negotiations, trying to minimize the risk of gas supply interruptions to Europe, especially in winter.
Based on reporting by Reuters and TASS