Russia and Ukraine Seek a Temporary Energy Deal

A political solution to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine will not be reached in the near term. However, Ukraine and Russia are likely to reach a temporary energy deal in the coming weeks to avert a natural gas shortage in Ukraine and a larger energy crisis in Europe.

On Aug. 29, Russian officials will meet with an EU energy delegation in Moscow. On Sept. 6, delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the European Union will discuss the ongoing natural gas dispute between Kiev and Moscow. These negotiations come after Russian President Vladimir Putin, following a meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Minsk, said that he and Poroshenko are committed to breaking the deadlock and renewing their countries' dialogue on energy. At the same time, the European Union's energy commissioner, Gunther Oettinger — who was also present at the Minsk talks — renewed his call for an interim natural gas agreement to ensure that Russian supplies flow to both Ukrainian and European customers throughout the winter.