Belgium: Gas talks disappoint EC as Ukraine suspends purchase of Russian gas

Vice President of the European Commission Maros Sefcovic expressed his disappointment at the lack of an agreement during trilateral gas talks in Vienna, during a press conference at the European Commission in Brussels, Wednesday. "I would not hide that we had hoped to come back with better news from our meeting," he said, referring to Tuesday's talks in the Austrian capital between Russia, Ukraine and the EU. Following the breakdown in talks Ukraine suspended its purchase of Russian gas, with Naftogaz halting its purchases Wednesday. Russian Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak told journalists that Russia will not increase the discount it has offered to Ukraine on gas purchases, saying "the price of $247 [per cubic meter of gas] is completely competitive." Ukraine was asking for a lower price, which Novak said was "out of line with the current market environment." Maros Sefcovic also said that the talks will be continued after the summer break.