You're reading: Hryschenko: 2009 gas contracts with Russia unfair

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostiantyn Hryschenko has said he believes that the gas contracts signed by Ukraine and Russia in 2009 are unfair and should not be continued.

"Of course, it’s a big problem when in the gas sector our party signs ten-year contracts, in which everything is given to one party, and this party considers these contracts to be binding. This problem must be resolved with the understanding that these contracts are unfair and they do not meet current international standards in relations between partner countries," he said in an interview with the Ukrainska Pravda online newspaper.

He added that according to Kyiv, these contracts "have no prospects."

"We’re trying not to dramatize the situation, although, in fact, it is very serious," Hryschenko said.

He noted that now the president and the government were doing everything possible to ensure that during the talks the sides find an acceptable formula both for Ukraine and for Russia, taking into account this difficult situation.

"We understand our responsibility for Europe’s energy security, and we are not inclined to take quick steps. I’m sure that Kyiv and Moscow will soon find mutual understanding. The fundamental steps in this area have already been taken," Hryschenko said.