Russia promises major economic assistance to Ukraine
Russia has given Ukraine a discount of almost a third on Russian gas and said it would buy billions of dollars’ worth of Ukrainian government bonds.
The moves come amid Russian attempts to stop Ukraine moving towards the EU.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovych announced the moves, but said they had not discussed Ukraine joining a Russian-led customs union.
Protests continued in Kiev over the deepening ties with Russia.
After talks between the two men in the Kremlin, it was announced Russia would buy $15bn-worth (£9.2bn; 10.9bn euros) of Ukrainian government bonds.
The cost of Russian gas supplied to Ukraine has been slashed from more than $400 (£245; 291 euros) per 1,000 cubic metres to $268.5.
Mr Putin said the assistance was not “tied to any conditions”.
17.12.2013
MEDIA
