The Russian leader drew the attention of Ukrainian partners to the lack of substance in the proposals [on gas cooperation] that have been forwarded to the Russian Government.
Moscow believes that the existing agreement between the two states fully defines the terms of gas cooperation, must be executed unconditionally and cannot be revised unilaterally. Russia is ready to defend its position on the agreement in any court and will act in strict compliance with the document’s provisions.
The Russian party believes that the Ukrainian partners must meet their contractual obligations in full, including as regards the price of supplies, even in the event that Ukrainian company Naftogaz is reorganised.
Russia would also view as unacceptable any manipulations during the reorganisation procedure aimed at justifying a unilateral abandonment of the existing agreement. Ukraine’s internal decisions must not affect the fulfilment of international obligations, which can lead to serious consequences for the Ukrainian economy.