WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Ukraine seeks to sign more energy deals with Turkey that would allow it to take over the niche Russia has established in Turkey’s energy sector, Ukrainian Minister of Energy and Coal Industry Volodymyr Demchyshyn told Sputnik.
"At present, Turkey is increasing its consumption of all energy resources. Ukraine has the technology that Turkey needs," Demchyshyn stated on Thursday. "That is why we are ready to cooperate."
Demchyshyn noted that Russia’s relations with Turkey have recently soured, leading to a freeze in some energy projects.
"I am confident that Ukraine can take over this niche," Demchyshyn claimed.
"We have pipes, gas pumps and the understanding how to build them," Demchyshyn explained. "We have developed modern technology for energy production and transportation."
The ties between Turkey and Russia have been strained since the Turkish Air Force shot down in November a Russian Su-24 fighter-bomber operating in Syria, killing the pilot Oleg Peshkov.
