Ukraine can't sever gas supply contract unilaterally - Sechin
Portovaya, Leningrad Region, September 6 (Interfax) - Ukraine is unable to sever its gas supply contract with Russia unilaterally, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin told reporters.
"It can't be severed unilaterally," Sechin said.
"The parties should under any circumstances fulfill contractual obligations. Such things as [breaking a contract] must be approached attentively and cautiously. In any event, there are mechanisms such as the negotiation process and the arbitration process," Sechin said.
The new Ukrainian leadership thinks the long-term gas contract the previous government signed with Russia is disadvantageous and is trying to get its provisions changed. Even having received a discount of $100 per thousand cubic meters with the cancellation of Russia's export duty, Ukrainian counteragents are asking for new discounts. Last week, the Ukrainian government announced plans to split up national oil and gas company Naftogaz Ukrainy by type of business into separate new companies which, Ukraine is sure, will prompt a revisiting of contract terms.