Russia Slaps Conditions On Ukraine Gas Deal; Asking For Evidence Kiev Is Good For Its Money
Christian Oliver in Brussels
Russia has raised further conditions for resuming gas supplies to Ukraine, dashing hopes that a deal to safeguard Europe’s energy supply this winter would be agreed on Tuesday.
Moscow cut gas exports to Ukraine in June amid a payment dispute, and talks on restarting flows have been weighed down by the conflict between Kiev’s forces and pro-Russian militias. However, many officials had expected that a new deal on a gas price and a timetable for settling debts would be reached at a meeting in Brussels.
Instead, Russia made another demand, asking for evidence to be submitted within five days that international lenders or other organisations were able to guarantee Kiev as good for its money.
Alexander Novak, Russia’s energy minister, complained that Ukraine had not identified its sources of funding. “We believe that there could have been rather more thorough work,” he said after the talks. “The cash gap requires funding.”
He said that he was looking for assurances that the likes of the International Monetary Fund, the European Investment Bank or “first-class” banks would help Kiev pay its bills. He also suggested that the European Commission could use its own budget.
more...
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/55b98dbe-5965-11e4-a33c-00144feab7de.html#axzz3GqfSRXl5