Ukraine not in conflict with Russia over gas price, but it must be below $200 - Yanukovych
KYIV. June 24 (Interfax) - Ukraine is not in conflict with Russia over the price for gas, said President Viktor Yanukovych.
"It is not a conflict, but differences in views. We made our point clear right after we came to power," Yanukovych said in an interview with Le Monde, posted on the president's website.
Yanukovych again said that the contract between Naftogaz Ukrainy and Gazprom was unfair and incorrect with regards to Ukraine.
"It was Yulia Tymoshenko's personal decision which was at odds with the Cabinet's opinion. She may have had various motives. I lack information to judge. But the price per 1,000 cubic meters was too high. It was set at $450, although it stood at $179.5 then. It should be below $200 today," the president said.
Yanukovych also said that the agreement with Russia, signed in Kharkiv last year, envisions a $100 discount in exchange for an extension of the Black Sea Feet's presence in Sevastopol.
"We are looking for ways to settle the problem of the price for gas this year," Yanukovych said.