OREANDA-NEWS. Dmitry Medvedev: The so-called “preferential winter package” that was provided to Ukraine upon its request following a series of consultations with our EU partners, among others, expires on 31 March.

Alexei Miller: The winter package expires on 31 March, as does the \$100 discount on the gas price for Ukraine. Regarding the contract terms, this is in fact the only issue in the ties between Gazprom and Naftogaz Ukrainy today.

All other issues are fully regulated by the 2009 contract currently in effect and all of the amendments to this contract that were signed, including those signed after the winter package agreements were reached in late October 2014. This applies to the advance payment procedure, whereby we deliver gas to Ukraine only after it pays in advance and when the funds arrive to Gazprom’s account. The present delivery terms are defined by our contractual obligations and there is no need to amend or expand the existing contracts for gas supplies from 1 April. There is only the discount issue, but it is up to the Russian Government and does not fall within Gazprom’s purview.

Dmitry Medvedev: From time to time, Ukraine proposes that prices be reviewed or some other mechanisms brought in. Obviously, Gazprom should fully adhere to existing agreements. Gazprom has no other legal basis for operation, while any other talk about this issue is groundless. This is just wishful thinking, or PR efforts by certain individuals in Ukraine.

As for the discount, indeed, it is granted by the Government. This is our goodwill. It can only be granted in the amount of our export duty. Perhaps it can be smaller, but it cannot be bigger. So, again, there is nothing new here, but this matter is subject to final discussion with the participation of our energy minister, their minister and the other relevant parties. Afterwards, the Government will take a decision and I will finalise and sign it.