Ukraine is currently incapable of doing without Russian gas at winter load peaks and therefore intends to sign the next "winter package" with Gazprom and expects the next round of the trilateral gas negotiations involving the EU in Vienna in late August, Ukrainian Coal and Energy Minister Volodymyr Demchyshyn said.

"Even with the efforts we are making, the peak loads need to be closed from Russia. For this reason, we definitely intend to reach agreements with the Russians because a contract for the heating season is needed, and we will sign it," the minister told a briefing in Kyiv on Monday.

Demchyshyn said the earlier negotiations show that Russia is also "fairly positive" about the signing of the new "winter package," but political issues are getting in the way.

"The next round will take place in Vienna in late August. I think we will eventually achieve understanding," Demchyshyn said.