Ukraine's state oil and gas company Naftogaz said Monday it had sent Russian gas producer Gazprom a draft proposal with amendments to an existing natural gas supply contract between the two neighbors.
"The supplemental agreement provides for amendments to the terms of the contract in terms of price, volume and conditions of supply of natural gas," the heavily indebted Ukrainian company said in a statement, without providing more details.
Gazprom has threatened to cut off gas supplies to Ukraine if Naftogaz fails to pay some of its $3.5 billion debt for imported gas.
Naftogaz said in the statement that it paid Gazprom $786.3 million on May 30 for February-March supplies, and hence had "fully paid for the supply of natural gas to Ukraine for the first quarter of 2014 at the price of $268.5 for 1,000 cubic meters."
Russia's energy minister has said Moscow and the European Union have proposed that Kiev pay Gazprom $2 billion by May 30, and another $500 million before June 7, as a precondition for a price discount and further talks.
The fourth round of talks between Ukraine, the European Union and Russia are scheduled for later Monday.
See also:
Ukraine Sends $786M Gas Payment to Russia Ahead of Monday Talks
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
