Following intensive pressure by the EU represented by the Czech Presidency and the European Commission, Prime Ministers of Russia and Ukraine met for talks yesterday for the first time since the start of the gas crisis.
Following intensive pressure by the EU represented by the Czech Presidency and the European Commission, Prime Ministers of Russia and Ukraine met for talks yesterday for the first time since the start of the gas crisis.
‘We welcome the progress achieved in the talks between the representatives of the Russian Federation and Ukraine announced this morning in Moscow. However, we remain realistic. Over the past few days we have seen several similarly hopeful moments. The only thing that counts for the EU is the resumption of gas supplies. For the time being it is not clear when this resumption takes place,’ said Czech Minister for Industry and Trade Martin Říman.
‘I am afraid that even in case of a prompt restoration of transit through Ukraine it will take several days before gas reaches the EU,’ said Minister Říman.
At the International Conference on the resumption of natural gas deliveries to Europe held yesterday in Moscow, the European Union spoke with one voice. ‘I believe that this message of unity also contributed to make both parties resume talks promptly,’ added Minister Martin Říman.