President: Ukraine Will Lessen Russian Gas Imports if Price Remains Unchanged

President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych is remaining defiant against Russian gas prices, saying his country will reduce consumption if the price of the supplied gas does not drop.

Speaking at a visit of the Latvian president to Kiev today, President Yanukovych said Ukraine could not keep enduring the burden of Russian gas prices.

"We have been facing a serious problem for 3 years already," he said. "We are working over it but still haven't found a solution. We cannot answer the question why does Ukraine pay the highest price for gas in Europe. If the price remains the same Ukraine will reduce consumption of Russian gas and look for alternative sources."

During the meeting, the Ukrainian president also said that the upgrading of its gas transport system (GTS) was a priority, especially in light of its role in European transit.

"Europe must be confident that Ukraine will guarantee transportation of necessary volume of gas and maintain stable work of GTS," he said. "We will find a solution as soon as possible."

Talks between Ukraine and Russia about the high prices Ukraine pays for gas from Russian supplier Gazprom are due to resume next month.