PM: Ukraine and Russia Will Reach Gas Deal for New Year's

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said that the Ukraine expects a revised gas deal with Russia within days, despite comments from Russian Gazprom last week to the contrary. 

Last week, Gazprom's Alexey Miller said that there would be no "New Year present" of a new gas deal with Ukraine. However, Prime Minister Azarov says that, following intensive talks with Russia, a new gas deal may be on the horizon before the New Year.

"During the last few days we have had very intensive negotiations and in a few days more we will reach a compromise solution, we want to enter the New Year with a modernised agreement," he told reporters in Prague, where he is on a state visit.

"Of course, the negotiations are difficult. But at the same time, I would like to note that I'm deeply convinced that proceeding, first and foremost, from the strategic interests of our future cooperation, a compromise solution will be reached. The negotiations have been intensified over the last few days."