Ukraine's leader suggests bringing in European and U.S. companies to help operate the pipeline that crosses the country, carrying Russian natural gas to Europe.
The move is part of an effort to revamp the pipeline, which is among Ukraine's most valuable assets. Analysts say it's also an attempt to defuse potential claims that Ukraine might be siphoning gas from the pipeline.
Russia on Monday halted gas supplies to Ukraine after talks over past debts failed. But Russia continues to send gas on to Europe through Ukraine's pipelines.
Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk told parliament Thursday Ukraine intends to set up a company to manage the pipeline. Ukraine would own 51 percent, but is ready to invite Western companies as shareholders for the rest.
Ukraine would not sell the pipeline as such.
http://www.neurope.eu/article/ukraines-pm-suggests-bringing-europe-us-companies-co-manage-its-gas-pipeline-together