Ukraine's debt to Gazprom for gas totals $2.471 billion including penalties, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said ahead of a bilateral meeting with European Commissioner for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic.

Concerning gas supplies to Donbas, Novak said the Russian side viewed them as deliveries to Ukraine.

"The questions concerning payment for these supplies must be settled at the level of Gazprom and Naftogaz, in court or out of court," Novak said.

Gazprom gave notification at the end of November that the unpaid debt totaled $2.196 billion (for gas delivered in 2013 and 2014). The debt accumulates penalties strictly in accordance with the terms of the contract signed on January 21, 2009, he said.

The debt amounts to the difference between the contract price - $486.5 per 1,000 cubic meters - and the price claimed by Kyiv - $268.5.

Gazprom and Naftogaz have each filed lawsuits in Stockholm arbitration, seeking debt repayment and refund of overpayment respectively. The contract remains in force for the time being.