Much Ado About Trilateral Talks Between Ukraine, Russia, EU

Uncertainties over the next trilateral talks remain, as different sources deliver opposite messages, indicating that Russia could be interested in taking time and let winter come.   

On Thursday, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said talks aimed at resuming gas supplies from Russia to Ukraine would take place in Brussels on Friday. It remains unclear what kind of talk Novak was referring to, as European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič’s agenda does not refer to the meeting. 

According to his website, the European Commission Vice President should simply continue his Energy Tour to Finland, presenting his Energy Union plans, meant to increase cooperation between member states. 

On Friday, he should be in Vaasa.

Coherently, an official EC spokesperson told Interfax that a date for the trilateral talks has not been defined.

Earlier this week, Šefčovič reportedly said that the next trilateral gas negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the European Union might be held in Brussels by the end of the month, adding that the meeting is important as the winter period is very close. 

Last week, Andriy Kobolyev, CEO of Naftogaz, and Alexei Miller, CEO of Gazprom, met in Vienna to discuss terms of a new Winter Package. The parties agreed to continue talks this week. 

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that international financial institutions, led by the World Bank, are coming up with a $1 billion financing package to allow Naftogaz to fill up its natural gas-storage facilities.

According to GSE data, Ukraine stored 15,407.81 mcm of gas in its facilities, which are now only 49.78% full. The European average is 79.55%.