Russia/Ukraine Deal to Resume European Gas supplies Finalized

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko Image: www.edita.jp

The deal between Russia and Ukraine to reopen natural gas lines from Russia to Europe was finalized over the weekend, and gas is set to resume flowing tomorrow morning the International Herald-Tribune reports.  Negotiations facilitated by the European Commission in Brussels resulted in a signed agreement between the two nations in which Russia agreed to reopen gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine as soon as monitors are in place and ready to ensure that Ukriane is not siphoning off gas as it travels to Russia’s European customers.

The deal was made official on Sunday morning when when a written agreement signed by Russian Prime Minister Putin was signed by Ukranian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.  Tymoshenko’s signature was accompanied by a “declaration” that again denied Russia’s accusation of Ukraine stealing gas sent by Russia through their country.

The issue that sparked the gas shutdown, Ukraine’s refusal to pay Russia’s increased price for gas, remained unresolved.