MOSCOW, August 14 (RIA Novosti) - The presidents of the European Commission, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to hold talks on gas supplies, EU-Ukraine trade pact as well as on the current situation in Ukraine, the European Commission said on Thursday.
"President Barroso and President Putin spoke today on the phone. It was agreed to hold consultations between the Presidents of Russia, Ukraine and the European Commission on the issues related with the implementation of the Association Agreement as well as on the supply of gas, in parallel with the efforts to stabilise the political and security situation," the statement said.
"The concrete arrangements for these talks will be further discussed through the appropriate diplomatic channels," the document said.
The Kremlin later confirmed phone talks between Putin and Barroso on issues related to Ukraine's European integration.
"The sides addressed important issues of relations between Russia and the European Union, including the consequences of the Association Agreement that Kiev signed with the EU," Kremlin said.
Ukraine signed the agreement on its association with the EU on June 27. Russia voiced concern over the economic loss the new association would present for it by triggering an uncontrolled flow of duty-free goods. Moscow presented Kiev a list of potential risks that Ukraine’s association with the European Union could present.
Earlier, Alexander Tsybulsky, Head of Department of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, told RIA Novosti that Russia does not see Ukraine's desire to continue the dialogue on removing risks of the Association Agreement for mutual trade.
