The conditions for gas shipments to Ukraine must be acceptable for the country, but debts must be paid, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said.

"[We] must continue looking for compromises. It's necessary to continue contracts under the understanding that debts must be paid. But conditions for Ukraine in this situation should be fairly acceptable, which is what our meeting with the European Commission is aimed at now," he said at a meeting with Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev and Energy Minister Alexander Novak.

"I think that this has an entirely positive effect at the present time. This is why I'm asking for these talks to continue," Medvedev said.

At the meeting, Novak noted that the draft of a protocol had already been prepared and sent to the Ukrainian authorities. The protocol will be signed by Russia, the EU and Ukraine.

"Currently, our general proposal with the European Commission is being reviewed by Ukraine. We are waiting for a response. We believe that this package six-month solution could be a good solution for carrying out the autumn-winter period [and] for reliable supplies to European consumers," he said.

Novak added that to provide a reliable autumn-winter period, the proposed gas price for six months comes at "a discount of $100 off the current contract price and is $385 per 1,000 cubic meters."

"Well, this is our classic position, and it's entirely favorable for Ukraine, as we believe," Medvedev said.