Russia and Ukraine will meet in May for further gas talks after an EU-mediated discussion proposed a new contract for Russian gas exports to Europe via Ukraine from 2020, European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic said here on Monday.
A "fair proposal" was tabled, covering the duration, volume, and tariffs in a future transit deal, and it has been presented to Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, Sefcovic said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also said that Moscow is ready to keep its transit of gas to Europe through Ukraine once the current deal with Kiev expires on Dec. 31, 2019 if supplies are economically viable.
"Security of gas supply this winter was also discussed," Sefcovic said, adding that "Everything is fine, under control, and we don't foresee any complications this winter."
Concerns have grown about the supply route amid Russia-Ukraine tensions. In disputes in 2006 and 2009, Moscow cut supplies to Ukraine during the winter, sparking knock-on shortages in Europe.
Editor:Cherie
