PM Honcharuk: Ukraine expects to sign long-term gas transit contract with Russia

Ukraine is not interested in the extension of the old gas transit contract with the Russian Federation but instead wants to get a new long-term contract which would be formed under European rules.

"It’s important for Ukraine to get a new long-term contract. Ukraine and our GTS start to work under the European rules. Therefore, we definitely need a new contract which will be based on European practice. We also set a goal to obtain a long-term contract. We do not need the extension [of the contract] for one year under the old rules," Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Honcharuk said at a briefing after the Cabinet’s meeting, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to him, the negotiations with the Russian side may last several more months.

The contract for Russian gas transit through the territory of Ukraine ends on December 31, 2019.

The next round of trilateral gas talks will take place in late October.