UPDATE: Ukraine’s minister confirms gas talks participation Apr 13-14

(Adds comments in fourth paragraph)

KIEV, Apr 1 (PRIME) -- Ukraine’s Energy Minister Vladimir Demchishin has confirmed his participation in the next round of Russia–Ukraine–E.U. gas negotiations on April 13-14 although Moscow has already agreed to prolong a U.S. $100 gas discount for April–June, the minister told reporters Wednesday.

Kiev’s goal is to prolong the terms of the winter gas supply deal for the next, 2015-2016 heating season, Demchishin said. “We need an agreement, we need to get ready for the next heating season. We need to prolong the terms of the winter package till the end of the next year’s heating season,” the minister said.

Ukraine will restart gas purchases from Russia as soon as the price of $250 for 1,000 cubic meters is officially confirmed, Demchishin said. “A legal document which will adjust the whole period will be signed on April 13-14. Gazprom and Naftogaz will sign an agreement. A memorandum will be signed until the end of the 2016 heating season,” he said.

Demchishin hopes that in July–September the Russian gas price will stand at $220, including discount, he said.

Demchishin also said that despite earlier promises by the government, Ukraine cannot avoid buying Russian gas next winter.

End