Russia continues cooperation with Ukraine on gas during existing contracts, the reliability of supply in the European Union cannot be questioned, said the programme head of the Ministry of energy of the Russian Federation.

"We live in a time of those contracts that were signed. I believe that during the term of those contracts it is necessary to continue cooperation, because We are a reliable supplier of gas to European customers. In any case, we cannot question the reliability of supplies from Russia to European consumers, " said Novak.

in winter gas package, which Ukraine, Russia and the EC was initialled on 25 September, agreed to purchase 2 billion cubic meters of gas on a credit of five hundred million dollars, raised through the EC. Ukraine during the "winter package" has resumed gas purchases from Russia on 12 October, and after November 25, once again stopped. During this period, "Naftogaz" total transferred "Gazprom" of 542 million dollars in payment for gas, this amount corresponds to the volume 2, 383 billion cubic meters of gas.

on the last working day of the week the head of "Gazprom" Alexey Miller said that before the end of the year "Naftogaz" will not be permitted to purchase gas from Russia. However, the parties are preparing for the resumption of purchases in the 1st quarter of 2016.

Kiev expects the conversations about the price of Russian gas for Ukraine in the 1st quarter of 2016 will be held in early winter 2015, other terms of delivery agreed between Naftogaz and Gazprom before March 31, 2016 and the 1st quarter will not change.

Winter gas package provides for the granting by Russia of the discount to the contract price of gas for Ukraine to the level of prices in adjacent EU countries. Discount provided by the government of the Russian Federation by reducing customs duties. In the fourth quarter the cost of gas from Russia to Ukraine with the discount is 227, 36 dollars per thousand cubic meters.

sections: Politics