Russian Prime Minister sets conditions for gas negotiations with Ukraine

Reuters reported that on May 14, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Russia would restart gas negotiations with Ukraine if the new leaders in Kiev paid at least part of the gas debt to Russia.

This is seen as a softening of Moscow's stance in the dispute that is feared to lead to a "gas war" between the two countries.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev speaks at a meeting of the Finance Ministry's expanded commission in Moscow on April 15. (Source: AFP/ VNA)

“No one said that $4 billion should be transferred immediately, but we said that it would be better if the Ukrainian side showed readiness to act… The minimum requirement for resuming negotiations would be if they paid part of the debt,” Medvedev told reporters.

Asked if Russia could consider reviewing gas prices, Mr. Medvedev said: “Of course it is possible, that is part of the negotiations.”

According to VNA