Putin offers Ukraine gas discounts
Putin says Russia offers Ukraine discounted gas price, at same level as under former president
MOSCOW (AP) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia is offering discounted gas prices to Ukraine that are at the same level as during the rule of Ukraine's previous, pro-Russian president.
Putin and Russia's energy minister, Alexander Novak, said Wednesday the government is also ready to guarantee the discounts will remain in place for one year, to assuage Kiev's fears.
Novak specified the price offered as $385 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas. It wasn't immediately clear if Russia expected something in return.
Putin said the offer was made in a "partnership" spirit and that if Kiev turns it down "we will move to quite another stage."
Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk earlier Wednesday said that Kiev has rejected the offer of discounts because Moscow could withdraw it at any moment.
