Kiev wants to join Russia-led South Stream gas pipeline talks

MOSCOW, Feb 26 (PRIME) -- Kiev wants to participate in all negotiations associated with the construction of the Russia-led South Stream gas pipeline, designed to pump gas to Europe and bypassing Ukraine, Kommersant Ukraine reported Tuesday.

Kiev asked for full access to the negotiations at a meeting with E.U. leaders on Monday.

Last week, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich said that Ukraine is unhappy with its cooperation with the European Energy Community as it remains indifferent to Ukraine’s complaints about a U.S. $7 billion fine by Russian gas giant Gazprom and the construction of the South Steam pipeline.

In January, Gazprom sent Naftogaz Ukrainy a $7 billion bill for gas that was contracted but not purchased.

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