Ukrainian and Slovakian operators of gas pipeline systems have discussed the issue of increasing deliveries from Europe to Ukraine, state gas firm Ukrtransgaz has revealed. The news came during a week in which Energy Minister Volodymyr Demchyshyn announced on Wednesday (July 01) that Ukraine had halted natural gas imports from Russia after energy officials from the two countries failed to agree on pricing.

Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolev said he expected the next round of trilateral gas talks involving Ukraine, Russia and the European Union to be held in July and stressed the need to agree on a new so-called “winter package” by the end of September.

Gas has been a key element in Russia’s toolbox for dominating Ukraine, but the issue is also critical to Europe’s energy security because about 30 percent of the region’s supply passes through Ukraine’s pipelines.

Source: Ukraine Today