The result of the presidential election in Ukraine will not affect Russia's position in the provision of the gas transit across Ukraine. Andriy Kobolev, the head of the Board of NJSC Naftogaz-Ukraine said this as quoted by TSN.
He assumed that the trilateral talks between Ukraine, EU and Russia will most likely take place in early May.
'I guess they have things to discuss with us. They are in the tough spot with the Nord Stream II now, and they should be considering options of how to transport gas after 2019; they are interested in this for sure. Will they be negotiating before the final announcement of the results? I don't think so. But as soon as the outcome is clear., they will agree for negotiations', Kobolev said.
At that, he added that if there will be a new president in Ukraine, Russians will still not change their manner of speech. According to Kobolev, regardless of the outcome of the presidential election, the Kremlin will keep applying pressure on Ukraine. The official assumed that Russia might go for another gas crisis to persuade Europe in the necessity to complete the Nord Stream II construction.