Ukraine to suspend Russian electricity imports ASAP

Ukraine will suspend imports of electricity from Russia when the country no longer needs it, First Deputy Energy and Coal Industry Minister of Ukraine Yuriy Ziukov has said.

"As soon as we see no need [for importing electricity] and a danger of blackouts for the power grid disappears, the contract will be terminated," he said at a press conference in Kyiv on Monday.

He said that Ukraine has gradually decreased imports of electricity from Russia: at present imports amounts to 300 MW out of 1,500 MW possible under the current contract.

Ziukov said that the country has had to import electricity from Russia. This is due to a lack of coal and problems with its delivery to thermal power plants.

"As soon as we pass winter, everything will be done so that no economic losses to our country are caused," he said.