Gas supply to Ukraine in winter is ensured

Kiev agreed that European taxpayers should pay the bills issued by Gazprom, and Brussels breathed a sigh of relief.

EU taxpayers are accepted to carry out gas supplies to Ukraine in the winter. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak confirmed that this decision was the result of a meeting between the EU and Russia in Vienna. Accordingly, the EU must transfer 500 million euros to the account of Russian Gazprom. This amount is considered an advance payment for the fourth quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016. Russia has provided Ukraine with a discount.

Ukraine initially wanted to receive a higher discount, but has now agreed, but has not given up further claims. The agreement is funded by the EU and supports gas supplies to Ukraine until March 2016. This was stated by the responsible for energy issues of the EU Commission Vice-President Sefcovic after five hours of negotiations in Brussels on Friday night. However, for the signing of the agreement, separate procedures are still required. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said the deal would also ensure unhindered gas transit to the European Union. Once again, a dispute over gas prices has flared up between the two countries, Russia and Ukraine, repeatedly raising fears that gas supplies to the EU could be interrupted.

Ukraine is on the verge of bankruptcy due to mismanagement, corruption and civil war in the East, as reported by the German media. Even Angela Merkel, who backs the government in Kiev, acknowledged that Russia reaffirms its intention to always be a reliable supplier. The transfer of money by EU taxpayers to Gazprom's account should ensure gas supplies to both Ukraine and Europe in winter. This will eliminate gas blackmail.