In the negotiations on gas transit, the Government of Ukraine protects the interests of Ukraine and will demand a long-term contract. The Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Honcharuk said during A Question Time for the Government at the Verkhovna Rada.

“We will request a long-term contract, not one year. And we will require transit guarantees in sufficient amount to enable maintenance of the gas transmission system,” Oleksiy Honcharuk stressed.

According to the Prime Minister, negotiations are currently underway to have the agreement inked as soon as possible. The law on unbundling of Naftogaz of Ukraine, approved by the Verkhovna Rada yesterday, brings the Government closer to this goal.

“Our regulator will be working in line with European gas rules. It gives us the opportunity to appeal to our European partners, allies and to speak with one voice in the negotiations,” said Oleksiy Honcharuk.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister told that the exact date of signing the agreement had not been determined yet, as negotiations on the terms of such agreement were still ongoing.

"We, including Naftogaz, and the Government of Ukraine, and with the support of the President's team, exert every effort to ensure the Agreement be signed within the shortest time possible," the Prime Minister assured.