Gazprom will not take part in the modernization of Ukraine's gas transmission system (GTS), the Russian gas giant's CEO, Alexei Miller, told a press conference.

"As for Gazprom's position on modernizing the Ukrainian GTS, that boat has already sailed, and it didn't sail just yesterday. We won't be participating in the modernization of Ukraine's GTS," Miller said.

"I want to draw your attention to the fact that the GTS does not belong to Naftogaz Ukrainy, but to the Ukrainian state. It has to be on its balance sheet before Naftogaz can decide anything regarding the GTS. Property issues have to be resolved first. The Rada would have to amend a dozen laws. Only then would it be possible to talk about anything," he said.