You're reading: Yanukovych ready to discuss compromise on gas agreement before meeting with Medvedev

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is ready to discuss the possibility of a compromise on gas supply issued before meeting with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev.

"A working group has been created on the initiative of the prime ministers of Russia and Ukraine. This working group […] discusses a broad range of issues, including the gas agreement between Ukraine and Russia. President Medvedev and I plan to meet this month. We are hoping to resolve this issue," Yanukovych told a press conference in Kyiv, responding to a question as to what Ukraine is ready to offer as compromise for the reconsideration of the gas agreements.

Yanukovych also said he is hoping the prime ministers Mykola Azarov of Ukraine and Vladimir Putin of Russia will meet before then to discuss gas cooperation.

"When this meeting takes place, we will most likely get an answer to this question. It will be better if it is positive. However, if Azarov is delayed – he has a small problem, like everyone, he needs to undergo a course of treatment – if he is delayed and the need arises to meet with the Russian government, with Putin, I will replace him [Azarov] and meet instead of him," Yanukovych said.