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Outcome of trilateral gas talks cannot be regarded as failure — Russia’s EU envoy

The results of joint work in the second quarter were summarized and future parameters, including the price and discount to be used in the third quarter were determined, Vladimir Chizhov says

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. The results of trilateral gas talks in Vienna cannot be regarded as failure, Russia’s EU envoy Vladimir Chizhov said in an interview on the Rossiya-1 television channel.

"I would not say that the outcome of the Vienna meeting was a failure. The results of joint work in the second quarter were summarized and future parameters, including the price and discount to be used in the third quarter were determined. The European Union should now give thought to the gas reserves EU consumers may need in winter time that might be provided from Ukrainian gas storages, which have not yet been filled to capacity," Chizhov said.

At this point Europe feels no concerns over the gas issue.

"Air temperatures in Brussels are now 30 degrees above freezing, so there are no thoughts about winter chill for the time being," Chizhov said.

After Russia-Ukraine-EU talks the European Commission confirmed the readiness to extend assistance to Ukraine in filling its underground gas storages.

"The European commissioner today mentioned such figures as $1.6 billion and $600 million from the EBRD. The IMF is considering the possibility of more aid. The overall amount stands at 2.5-3 billion dollars," Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said.