Russia Points Finger At Ukraine for Holding Out Gas Discount

After calling Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel to reassure her about Russian intention ‘to reach a mutually acceptable agreement’ with Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin accused Kiev to boycott gas talks.

The Kremlin offered to bring prices from $485 per 1,000 cubic metres to around $385, removing an export duty. According to Russia, Ukraine held out the offer and the time is running out. 

‘Let’s see what results the talks bring today or tomorrow and in the coming days. We have agreed that we will not introduce prepayment before June 16 of this year, not before Monday, in other words,’ Putin said during a Government Cabinet meeting. 

Also on Wednesday, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said that the country wants to avoid a price discount, asking for a brand new contract. 

‘The Russian side has issued a proposal to decrease the gas price by USD 100 with the so-called discount. I want to officially state, we know perfectly such Russian traps, the discount is introduced with a decision of the Government of the Russian Federation and is cancelled with a decision of the Government of the Russian Federation as well.  Therefore, our position has been and still remains the same – changes to the deal,’ Yatsenyuk said as reported by a note released by the office of the Prime Minister.