Minister: Russia refuses to restructure Ukraine's $3 bln debt

MOSCOW, Feb 10 (PRIME) -- Ukraine has asked Russia to restructure its U.S. $3 billion debt, but Moscow refused to do so because of the crisis, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told reporters on Tuesday.

“Ukraine turned to us with a request to consider debt restructuring. I’ve held negotiations with my Kiev colleague. We are not ready to agree on delayed or deferred debt repayment,” the minister said.

Russia expects Ukraine to repay its debt in December, as all foreign currency revenues are vital due to the current economic conditions, he said.

Russia has the right to demand an early repayment of the debt, but has not used the right yet, Siluanov said.

In 2013, Russia invested $3 billion in Ukraine’s 2-year Eurobonds with a right of an early redemption and maturity in December 2015.

End