Naftogaz confirms that it has sent its comments on the latest European Commission proposal back to the Commission on Tuesday 7 October 2014. As part of those comments, Naftogaz reiterated its desire to hold the next round of trilateral talks at a time convenient for all parties.

Naftogaz is surprised, however, by comments from Russia on the proposal that Gazprom should not be a signatory of the binding deal. A core part of these negotiations is to produce a legal contract that is fair for all parties, and most importantly, signed on commercial rather than political grounds. Naftogaz and Europe need the contract to be legally binding and enforceable, to avoid future dispute. Any deal is therefore dependent on Russia and Gazprom accepting that this is a commercial contract which requires its signature. Without it, no deal can be reached.