Russia Confirms Transfer from Ukraine’s Naftogaz

Russia confirmed that Gazprom has received $786 million USD from Naftogaz, which paid for the gas Ukraine imported in February and March. The Ukrainian company said the price was $268.5 USD/1000 cm.

Gazprom has voiced its intention to stop gas flow unless of a gas repayment of $2 billion before the end of the previous week.

‘On the basis of that the parties agreed to come together for further discussions on Monday in Brussels. The aim is to find a solution on prices and payment schemes,’ reads a note released by the European Commission on Friday night.

In this sense, a solution might be closer, but it will all depend on Brussels' ability to mediate  two opposite positions and offer financial backing to Kiev. Russian and Ukrainian energy ministers will continue their talks in Berlin.

RUSSIA AND EUROPE

At the same time, Russia is trying to maintain its clout in Europe, signing contracts with Germany. Italy, the other country that registered a good electoral result in the recent European elections, has been courted as well in a message sent by Vladimir Putin to Giorgio Napolitano.

‘The President noted in his message that the Russian-Italian strategic partnership based on longstanding traditions of friendship and mutual respect is developing very successfully. Mr Putin said he is confident that continued effort to build up constructive cooperation in all areas between the two countries and to coordinate action to resolve current issues on the international agenda is in the fundamental interests of both peoples,’ reads a note published on Monday.

The two countries are still negotiating Italy’s role in the South Stream project. Recent evidences pointed at a change of the planned route, but Italy restated its interest to remain the endpoint of the pipeline.