Turchynov: Ukraine will cope if Russia stops supplying gas

12:21, 19.05.2014 1 min read

Oleksandr Turchynov, speaker of the Ukrainian parliament and acting president of Ukraine, said he is confident Ukraine will cope with possible difficulties if Russia stops supplying gas on June 1.

"According to international rules, if a case is tried in international arbitration, one party cannot unilaterally stop supplying goods and terminate a contract that is being contested," Turchynov said on 1+1 television on Sunday, recalling that Ukraine has filed a lawsuit against Russia with international arbitration.

"We went to international arbitration to stop this format when Russia unilaterally increases prices, Turchynov said.

Turchynov also said the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has been ordered "to do everything to prevent energy risks in the event of a decrease of halt of gas supplies." This specifically involves alternatives sources and the signing of gas contracts in the West.