From ANA
Russia and Ukraine are set to hold a new round of
EU-mediated gas talks today – on which a deal securing
cut-price deliveries for Kiev is supposed to expire. Cash-strapped Ukraine is heavily dependent on energy from Russia and is also a key transit country for supplies to Western Europe.
The European Union (EU) has brokered negotiations between the two sides amid strains over the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has in the past threatened to cut off supplies to Kiev over disputes over payments.
The new round of talks will take place at the EU delegation in the
Austrian capital Vienna, the European Commission announced Monday. Attendees will include Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Demchyshyn, as well as
commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic.
Russia agreed last October to deliver gas to Ukraine at a set price, in return for prepayments. The deal was initially supposed to last until March, but was extended until the end of this month. The two sides are now attempting to hash out a new agreement on gas supplies for next winter.
