During a press conference today Gazprom Deputy Chairman and Gazprom Export CEO Alexander Medvedev and Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov gave the following comments:

• Naftogaz Ukrainy has recognized the $2bn debt it owes Gazprom and had the money to pay that debt.
• Rosukrenergo has received $1.5bn, which Gazprom is yet to receive
• Gazprom is very concerned about the situation in particular as Naftogaz Ukrainy has announced it may confiscate transit gas to Europe.
• The existing transit contract with Ukraine is valid through to 2010 and which obliges Ukraine to transit at least 110 bcm of gas per year. Gazprom pays Ukraine a fee of $1.60 per 100 km, which is comparable to transit fees paid to other European countries.
• Talks with Naftogaz Ukrainy are to continue and a contract may yet be signed at last minute.
• Gazprom has offered Naftogaz Ukrainy a discounted price for gas deliveries in 2009.
• If there is no contract signed for future gas deliveries, then there is no legal basis for Gazprom to deliver gas to Ukraine.
• The existing contract for gas deliveries to Ukraine ends tomorrow, 1 January 2009, 10am Moscow time.
• Gazprom hopes for the best, but prepares for the worst.
• Gazprom is in constant contact with its European partners.