MOSCOW, October 30 (RIA Novosti) – Moscow's position at the ongoing gas talks between Russia, Ukraine and the European Union in Brussels remains unchanged, the Energy Ministry said in statement Thursday.
"The position of the Russian side within the framework of the ongoing trilateral gas talks in Brussels between Russia, Ukraine and the European Union remains unchanged," the statement said.
"The price of Russian gas for the 'winter package' (period from November 1, 2014 until March 31, 2015) for Ukraine will be established in accordance with the existing contract, taking into account the discount of $100 per 1,000 cubic meters," the statement added.
On Wednesday, Russia, Ukraine and the European Union met in Brussels for another round of gas talks but have so far failed to come to any breakthrough agreements. The talks are expected to continue on Thursday evening.
Earlier on Thursday Novak said that Ukraine would not guarantee gas prepayments, but has promised Russia that it would find the funds needed to pay for winter gas deliveries.
According to the Russian Energy Minister, a final agreement on the supply of Russian gas to Ukraine could be reached Thursday if all the necessary documents are finalized.
The gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine was exacerbated when Gazprom switched Kiev to a prepayment system for supplies in June over its gas debt of more than $5 billion.
In September, Russia and the European Commission proposed the so-called winter package, whereby Ukraine pays $3.1 billion of its debt to Russia by the end of the year in exchange for gas deliveries during the winter period.
