Medvedev: Integration discount – prize for Customs Union and Beltransgaz

Ukraine may follow the example of Belarus and ask Russia for an integration discount on gas, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said.

“Minsk has the so called integration discount as a prize for membership in the Customs Union and consent to buy Beltransgaz to Russia. But our [Ukrainian] partners declined this offer, … but in my view, we should not hurry here. We used to have problems with Belarus concerning gas supplies, very serious problems, but we have reached the normal level of understanding. Belarus is a member of the Customs Union now. We agreed that Russia acquires in fact 100% shares in Beltransgaz. This creates new conditions,” Medvedev said.

“I think our Ukrainian friends should choose this way,” he Russian head of state added.

We remind that PM Mykola Azarov said earlier that the Belarusian variant of cooperation with Russia in gas sphere does not suit Kyiv.

“Belarus takes its way, Ukraine takes its way,” the PM said.

The gas discount promised to Belarus by Russian PM Vladimir Putin on August 15 may be an element of pressure on Ukraine, which is not ready to give Russia control over the country's gas transportation system.