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Azarov: Ukraine doesn't blame Russia for 2009 gas contracts

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June 26, 2012, 9:52 a.m. | Ukraine — by Interfax-Ukraine

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said they had no complaints against Russia concerning unfavorable gas contracts signed with Ukraine in 2009.
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Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said they had no complaints against Russia concerning unfavorable gas contracts signed with Ukraine in 2009.

"It hurts us that the price is so high, that we are being punished for something. But we have complaints only to Ukrainian officials who signed the contract in violation of the Ukrainian legislation and caused enormous damage to our country," he said in an interview with the Russian TV program Pozner.

"Our government has made a mistake by signing an unfair contract for ten years, and 46 million people in Ukraine are suffering," the prime minister said.

"They firmly believed that Russia is our strategic partners, but how can we explain them that this is the case, if you are driving us into a corner with prices like that?"

Azarov said that Ukraine pins its hopes in this matter on good-neighborly relations, on the understanding that one cannot build long-term relations, seizing opportunities to make profit.

The prime minister noted that the revision of the gas contracts will be a major topic during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to Ukraine on June 27 and at a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on July 12.

"Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is coming to us on June 27, and a meeting of the two presidents is scheduled for July 12. And this will be one of the central topics," he said. 

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Khvylia June 26, 2012, 12:29 p.m.    

Another asinine comment from "wannabe proffessor" Azarov. Since when is the responsibility of a contract attributed to only one party? Does he actually expect the Russians to alter the terms of the energy contract without receiving something of value in return? Moreover, does Azarov really believe in the fraternal love between equal nations in the eastern slavic "brotherhood"? Perhaps in his own little mind. It most certainly does not pertain to Putin and Medvedev.

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carl June 26, 2012, 4:56 p.m.    

He was being polite he was on Russian tv, of course he understands Russia will want something in return. Ukraine should jion csto or customs union or even both in return for a revised contract. Ending the need to subsidize naftogaz will free up funds for hositals,etc.

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gary yellando Aug. 3, 2012, 4:21 p.m.    

Carl !!! true, but, sorry my friend.. this gas thing ..!!! .the gas issue is nothing to the millions being taken from the Ukraine people by the Mafia government, I think Ukraines should look deeper if they want more of the pie. !!!

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