Tripartite dialogues gas between Russia, Ukraine and the EC was launched in Brussels, told reporters the official authorized by the Ministry of energy.

Before the meeting, its participants, Vice - President of the European Commission g?nther Oettinger, the Russian energy Minister Alexander Novak and the head of the Ministry of energy of Ukraine Yuriy Prodan - expressed optimism about the possibility of signing on Thursday winter gas service.

After another round of tripartite talks, culminating in the night of Thursday, the Russian negotiators stated that the next meeting and the signing of the winter gas service will be held only if Ukraine and the European Commission agree on the last of the three required documents - duplex Protocol, including financial guarantees of the European Commission for the payment of Kiev gas from Russia.

Winter plan involves the resumption of gas supplies from Russia, Ukraine and ensure uninterrupted transit to the European Union in the winter. It provides for the repayment of Ukraine before the end of year 3, 1 billion of 5, 3 billion dollars of debt and the purchase of " Gazprom " additional amounts for the winter on a prepayment basis. The problem is in the lack of Kiev funds for the simultaneous repayment of debt and the implementation of pre-payment. The last in the volume of purchases of 4 billion cubic meters is about 1, 6 billion dollars.

sections: Politics