Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko rules out eventual privatization of the Ukrainian gas supply system, she told reporters at a briefing in Yevpatoria (Crimea).

"The gas supply system is Ukraine's great national treasure and it must be state owned," Tymoshenko said.

It makes Ukraine a full-pledged member of the European gas market, she added.

Tymoshenko hopes Ukraine to be able to earn big money when correct operates gas transit.

As Ukrainian News reported, Viktor Baloha, head of the President's Secretariat, thinks the reason for the gas conflict is behind Russia's aim to control the Ukrainian gas supply system.