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Russia-Ukraine gas dispute

Russia-Ukraine-EU gas talks may be held in Brussels next week

The European Commission is currently considering Berlin and Brussels as the potential venues for the gas talks, expecting replies from the parties concerned

© EPA/FILIP SINGER

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Ukraine suggests completing gas debt repayment in March 2015 — Russian minister

BRUSSELS, October 16. /TASS/. Gas talks between Russia and Ukraine with the EU’s mediation scheduled for October 21 may be held in Brussels, the European Commission said on Thursday.

The European Commission is currently considering Berlin and Brussels as the potential venues for the gas talks, expecting replies from the parties concerned. The scheduled date of October 21 has been confirmed, the European Commission said.

Russia’s Energy Ministry said last week a new round of Russia-Ukraine-EU gas talks would be held on October 21 in Berlin.

The previous three-party gas talks were held on September 26 in Berlin where Russia, Ukraine and the EU prepared a new package deal on settling the gas dispute, which needed to be approved by the governments of the relevant countries.

Details of the new package deal were announced by EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger.

Under the new deal, Ukraine should repay its $3.1 billion debt to Gazprom by the end of this year for natural gas supplied to the ex-Soviet republic. In turn, Gazprom will supply 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Ukraine and offer an option for another 5 billion cubic meters.

Gazprom will supply 5 billion cubic meters to Ukraine at $385 per 1,000 cu m. This price includes a $100 discount and will be effective only for six months.

After Kiev repays $2 billion in debt, Gazprom will supply at least 5 billion cu m to Ukraine and these deliveries will be obligatory for both sides.

Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller earlier said he was doubtful that Ukraine would timely repay its gas debt.

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Ukraine EU Oil & Gas European Commission Russia-Ukraine Gas Dispute

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