The discount on natural gas for Ukraine to be tied to "South Stream".

Russia is ready to consider a possible discount on gas for Ukraine if such a request is followed by Kiev in the second stage of the negotiations with a representative of the European Commission, sources in the government told "The Izvestia". A fundamental condition for this is the beginning of payment of the present debt for gas supplies – the IMF loan, already unveiled to Kiev, should be used for the payment. In addition, in the next stage of negotiations with the EU and Ukraine Moscow will insist on the completion and launch of the "South Stream", the work of which is threatened by the introduction of the EU Third Energy Package (TEP), the sources state.

The talk about the price and contractual obligations will be held at the next meeting. It may take place between May 16th and 19th in one of the European countries. The exact location is not yet determined – a federal official told "the Izvestia".