18.02.03

Ukraine, Russia to sign long-term oil transit agreement in March

Ukraine and Russia are to sign a long- term agreement in March dealing with the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory, in addition to a protocol between the Ukrainian and Russian energy ministries to increase oil supplies to Ukraine in 2003.

The Ukrainian government's press service said Monday that this agreement was reached at a meeting on Friday between Russian Deputy Prime Minister Victor Khristenko and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Haiduk.

It is expected that in 2003 transit of Russian oil through Ukraine will increase to 18 million tonnes from 15 million tonnes in 2002.

Russia and Ukraine are also preparing to sign a document touching on a wide range of fuel and energy cooperation issues.