Russia is ready to discuss the terms of gas shipments to Ukraine before the Stockholm International Arbitration Court makes a decision, Energy Minister Alexander Novak told reporters ahead of talks with the vice president of the European Commission for energy, Maros Sefcovic.

"In carrying out the Minsk agreements, we are holding trilateral talks on energy today between Russia, Ukraine and the EU. The winter package expires in 11 days. We are going to discuss issues of gas during the summer period, pumping gas into underground gas storage facilities and transit in the summer," he said.

The European Commission is suggesting that an interim agreement be set not for several months, but until the end of 2016, when the Stockholm court is expected to reach a decision. Commenting on this, Novak said that this was possible and the parties would discuss this.

"The situation is very volatile, and we can't yet say for sure how it will develop," he added.