Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said that the Cabinet of Ministers is ready to approve the subvention in the amount of UAH 729.56 million for Kyivenergo, which would allow signing a gas supply contract by between municipal enterprise Kyivenergo and national joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy before the start of the heating season.

"I promised that we will help Kyiv get out of this difficult situation. We worked with our colleagues in the government and found the best opportunities to support Kyiv. I think there will not be any disagreements: it is very important to prepare for the heating season on time and start it on time," Groysman said at a government meeting on Wednesday, instructing the Ministry of Finance to find sources of financing.

In turn, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko asked "to cancel the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers voted on August 22, 2018, and approve a separate decision with the costs for the heat-supplying enterprises in Kyiv to pay off the difference in tariffs."

"An agreement with Kyivenergo has terminated. The situation is critical with gas supplies to Kyiv, as a result of which there is no hot running water and the start of the heating season is under a threat. There is no possibility to conclude an agreement between Kyivteploenergo and Naftogaz because of the outstanding debt issue. It appeared due to the difference in the tariffs, which amount is currently UAH 729.56 million. The only mechanism to compensate for the debt is the adoption of a corresponding government resolution," Klitschko said.

Answering journalists' questions on the sidelines of the Cabinet of Ministers' meeting, Klitschko added that hot water supply in Kyiv will be restored in one or two weeks.