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Russia, EC start consultations before trilateral gas meeting with Ukraine

In addition, Russia and EC plan to discuss disconnection of Baltic States from energy systems of Russia and Belarus

BRUSSELS, January 21. /TASS /. Russia and the European Commission initiated consultations before the trilateral meeting with Ukraine, where prospects of Russian gas transit via Ukraine, TASS reports from the site.

EC wants to keep gas transit via the territory of Ukraine as an important source of funds for the country’s budget. EU may face the need of significant increase of macro-financial aid to Ukraine if transit is halted.

Furthermore, Russia and EC plan to discuss disconnection of Baltic States from energy systems of Russia and Belarus.

"We expect a meaningful dialogue," Energy Minister Alexander Novak said earlier when asked a respective question.

Novak heads Russia’s delegation at the talks in Brussels, Gazprom Chief Executive Officer Alexei Miller will also participate in the meeting.

The prospects of gas transit through Ukraine after expiration of the ten-year contract with Russia on December 31, 2019 will dominate the agenda of the talks. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Pavel Klimkin and Chief Executive Officer of Naftogaz Andrei Kobolev will represent the country at the meeting. European Commission’s (EC) Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic will also participate in the consultations.

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Ukraine Belarus Alexander Novak

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