Ogarevo, Russia, October 02, SPA--Ukraine is prepared to conduct talks with Russia on gradual transition to free market prices of fuels, visiting Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko said on Thursday, according to Itar-Tass. “Russia and Ukraine have all reasons to negotiate free market prices of fuels and energy and the gradual transition to them,” Timoshenko said at talks with her Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. For his part Putin said that all subjects concerning the energy sphere should be closed by the winter season. “First and foremost I suggest addressing energy issues, as the winter draws near. We've got to close the subject, because energy supplies to Ukraine imply a no easy dialogue with the Central Asian partners,” he said. “In the energy sphere, at the ministerial and corporate levels, the experts did a very good job,” Putin said. “There is a firm basis from which to build up. You visit is very crucial.” Timoshenko replied that Russia was “an absolutely strategic partner” for Ukraine. She noted the record-high level of bilateral trade. “We are very much interested in having a friendly relationship,” the Ukrainian prime minister said. In her opinion, major controversies are to be eliminated step by step. “We shall have enough wisdom and responsibility for the future our people,” she added.
