Minister Orzhel: Ukraine's priority is long-term contract with specific gas volume

"We are going [for the trilateral gas talks] with a strong stance and we count on constructive proposals from all participants. We will in no way deviate from the protection of Ukrainian interests in the gas negotiations. For our part, a long-term contract with specific volume of gas for transmission that would ensure stability in European energy markets and lower prices for end consumers is Ukraine’s priority," Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection of Ukraine Oleksiy Orzhel said, the Ministry’s press service reports.

The next round of trilateral talks on signing of gas transit agreement will be held in Berlin on December 19.

As reported, on December 13, bilateral negotiations between NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine and Russia’s OAO Gazprom on gas transit took place in Vienna (Austria). The parties agreed to continue work on options for the transit of Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine.

On December 9, Vitrenko told journalists that in Paris, as part of the Normandy Four summit, Ukraine and Russia had not agreed on a new contract on January 1, 2020 on the transit of Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine.

The current gas transit contract between Naftogaz and Gazprom expires on December 31, 2019. The parties are currently in talks to sign a new contract.

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