Russia And Ukraine Agree To A Natural Gas Supply Deal

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak shakes hands with Ukraine's Energy Minister Yuri Prodan (R) after gas talks between the European Union, Russia and Ukraine at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels October 30, 2014. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

Ukraine, Russia, EU Agree To Natural Gas Supply Deal -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Ukraine, Russia and the European Union signed a deal on Thursday on the resumption of Russian natural gas supplies to Ukraine for winter after several months of delay during the conflict in Ukraine.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who witnessed the three-way signing ceremony in Brussels as he prepares to leave office on Friday, said: "There is now no reason for people in Europe to stay cold this winter."

Talks had been broken off in the early hours as Moscow sought more guarantees from the EU that it would help Ukraine pay for its natural gas. They resumed on Thursday evening.

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Update #1: Russia, Ukraine agree on gas supplies until March 2015 -- RT
Update #2: Russia, Ukraine and EU agree on terms of gas deliveries to Ukraine in winter period -- ITAR-TASS

My Comment: Ukraine had to acquiesce to EU demands for a deal to be signed .... and the EU had to acquiesce to Russian demands on how they are going to get paid. Not surprising .... Russia and Ukraine are not happy with this deal (see above photo) .... but winter has arrived in Ukraine .... and the heat needs to be turned on.