As the West accused Moscow of direct involvement in the escalating conflict in Ukraine, EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger flew to Moscow on August 29 where he held consultations with Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak on a resumption of Russian gas supplies to Ukraine.
During talks with Novak, Oettinger reiterated his proposal to have an interim solution including an interim price.
Both agreed that a solution should contain the following four elements: the interim price; the fulfilment of all supply and transit obligations; a repayment plan for the unpaid bills to be developed by the next few weeks; and the use of OPAL pipeline, the EU energy commissioner’s spokesperson said in a press release.
“We have to agree on an interim gas price for the next few months, while waiting for the Stockholm arbitration court to decide on the final price.In addition: Ukraine has to pay an account for the gas to be delivered in the months to come,” Oettinger told a press conference after the bilateral meeting.
“Our main goal is to secure gas supply to the EU and its citizens, but also to the citizens in Russia, Ukraine, the Western Balkans, including accession countries and Moldova,” he said.
The Vice President of the European Commission responsible for energy, Oettinger, also expressed concern about the worsening situation at the Eastern border of the Ukraine. “I came to Moscow to prepare the next trilateral gas talks as agreed in Minsk. At the same time, I have to express my concern. The news that Russian soldiers are operating inside Ukraine does not reflect the spirit of Minsk. Respecting the sovereignty ofnational borders is vital to preserve peace,” Oettinger said.
NATO slams Russia's 'illegal' military actions in Ukraine
His statement came as NATO-Ukraine Commission held an extraordinary meeting. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told Russia on August 29 to halt its “illegal” military actions in Ukraine.
“Despite Moscow’s hollow denials, it is now clear that Russian troops and equipment have illegally crossed the border into eastern and south-eastern Ukraine. This is not an isolated action, but part of a dangerous pattern over many months to destabilise Ukraine as a sovereign nation. Russian forces are engaged in direct military operations inside Ukraine,” the NATO chief said.
“We condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s continued disregard of its international obligations. We urge Russia to cease its illegal military actions, stop its support to armed separatists, and take immediate and verifiable steps towards de-escalation of this grave crisis,” Fogh Rasmussen said.
http://www.neurope.eu/article/eu-balancing-act-russian-sanctions-gas-too