Novak Guaranteed Gas Supplies to EU regardless the Agreement with Kyiv

Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview to Kommersant that Russia was ready to ensure gas supplies under long-term contracts to Europe even if by the end of 2019 Moscow and Kyiv fail to reach agreements on the transit of Russian gas. “Under any circumstances, we guarantee the supply of Russian gas under long-term contracts signed by Gazprom. In this sense, European consumers will be provided with the necessary volumes”, said the Minister. He noted that the constructive dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities is hampered by the proceedings of Gazprom and Naftogaz on the supply and transit of Russian gas. “Since, as a result of the decisions of the Stockholm arbitration, the balance of interests on two contracts was violated, which were signed by Gazprom and Naftogaz in 2009, the court decides on the termination of these contracts,” Novak stressed. According to him, Gazprom is ready to consider signing a settlement agreement as one of the options that would satisfy both companies. Source: RBC