You're reading: Azarov: Ukraine can restore normal relations with Russia in the future

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said he believes Ukraine can restore "normal" relations with Russia. 

“I am deeply convinced that we will restore normal relations with the Russian Federation in the future,” Azarov was quoted as saying in a report posted on the Ukrainian Cabinet website.

Ukraine overpaid Russia almost $20 billion in the past few years as a result of the unprofitable gas supply contract signed in 2009, Azarov said. He reiterated that the Ukrainian government has insisted that the contract be reconsidered.

“We have made and we will make maximum efforts to reach an agreement with the Russian Federation on the reconsideration [of the gas supply contracts],” Azarov said.