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

Russia and Ukraine aim to resolve an impasse over natural gas supplies 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 finalize a deal on Tuesday.

 

EU sources said trilateral negotiations began at 4 p.m. local time (10.00 a.m. EDT) after bilateral meetings between Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger and Ukraine, and Oettinger and Russia.

 

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.

 

Read More: Ukraine, Russia, EU energy chiefs meet to finalize gas deal | Reuters