Ukraine Awaits Next Round of Trilateral Negotiations
Naftogaz has confirmed its readiness to continue trilateral negotiations with Gazprom and the European Union on gas supply, pricing and payment obligations.
The Ukrainian company said that it has responded to the latest European Commission proposal by providing its comments back to the Commission. As part of those comments, Naftogaz reiterated its desire to hold the next round of trilateral talks at a time convenient for all parties.
In a press release Thursday, Naftogaz expressed its surprise at comments from Russia on the proposal that Gazprom should not be a signatory of a binding deal.
"A core part of these negotiations is to produce a legal contract that is fair for all parties, and most importantly, signed on commercial rather than political grounds. Naftogaz and Europe need the contract to be legally binding and enforceable, to avoid future dispute. Any deal is therefore dependent on Russia and Gazprom accepting that this is a commercial contract which requires its signature. Without it, no deal can be reached."
Earlier this week European Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said that he expected an interim gas deal this month, which would enable the resumption of Russian gas deliveries to Ukraine this winter and curb the threat of cuts to Europe.
Oettinger had announced a preliminary deal on September 26th, but Ukrainian officials denied their agreement.
Related Reading: Getting a Gas Deal for Ukraine. Is the EU Helping or Hindering?