Experts will continue to work on Russia's concerns regarding Ukraine's intention to join a free trade area with the European Union starting January 1, 2016, Ukrainian Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister Natalia Mykolska said.

"Experts are continuing to work to meet the Russian Federation's concern," Mykolska said, in commenting on consultations on the matter between Ukraine, Russia, and the EU on December 8.

Ukraine is trying to find ways to eliminate Russia's concerns without amending the text of the free trade agreement, and without obstructing Ukraine's consistent movement toward free trade with the EU, she said.

A compromise can be reached on the condition that Russia does not impose an embargo on imports of Ukrainian food products and does not increase duties, she said.

"These are the two preconditions based on which we are ready to work," she said.

Experts will be working on the matter remotely and will draw up a report for the ministry, Mykolska said.

The date of the next meeting between Ukrainian, Russian, and EU officials has not yet been decided.