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Ukraine certain cuts in Russian gas import to have no negative effects – Boiko

He believes that Kiev “has the leverage that allows for saying with certainty that no negative consequences for our country will follow”

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

KIEV, January 21 (Itar-Tass) —— Ukraine believes that its intention to reduce the import of gas this year to 27 billion cubic meters is well-founded, Energy and Coal Industry Minister Yuri Boiko said on local television on Friday.

He believes that Kiev “has the leverage that allows for saying with certainty that no negative consequences for our country will follow.”

“We have the understanding of how we shall be getting out of this situation. We are certain we are right,” Boiko said.

He recalled that Ukraine back on May 20 notified Gazprom of its intention to lower the import of gas this year. Boiko believes that in this case “the Russian side is free to act the way it pleases,” but at the same time he believes that neither country will appeal to an international court of arbitration.

“I am certain that they will not go to court for one simple reason. The case will take two years to consider, and nobody needs that,” he said.

He also explained that in the future Ukraine would be consuming less Russian gas. For that the country’s leadership was taking measures to build up domestic gas production and replace gas with other fuels, as well as diversify gas providers.

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