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Russia-Ukraine gas dispute

Ukraine’s winter package gas payments to Russia to total about $3 bln — Putin

Russia’s Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that by request of Ukraine, every quarter the Russian government will consider discount options when setting gas price for Kiev

© EPA/ROMAN PILIPEY

NOVO-OGAREVO, September 30. /TASS/. The total sum of Ukraine’s payments for Russian gas in winter period will amount to about $3 bln, President Vladimir Putin told members of the cabinet on Wednesday.

"They can inject remaining [required - TASS] gas volumes to underground storage facilities for $500 mln [the sum of the first tranche Kiev should transfer to Moscow - TASS] but after that they should pay for Russian gas supplies during the whole winter and this is about $3 bln," the Russian president said.

Read also

Gazprom didn't receive $500 mln prepayment for gas from Ukraine — minister

Russia’s Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that by request of Ukraine, every quarter the Russian government will consider discount options when setting gas price for Kiev. This price will be defined on a competitive basis on the level of prices set for the countries which neighbor Ukraine, such as Poland, he said.

The minister said that the relevant decision of the Cabinet was signed on September 24, and it also covers the fourth quarter of the year.

According to Novak, the protocol on the results of the trilateral negotiations reflects the obligation of the EU to finance the purchases of Russian gas by Ukraine via international financial institutions.

"This is fundamentally important," Putin said.

Energy Minister said that the Ministry expects Ukraine to transfer its first tranche worth $500 million for Russian gas in October.

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