The Russian Ministry of Energy sees the readiness of partners from Ukraine to begin supplying Russian gas directly starting in 2020, the Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview with Russia-24 TV channel following trilateral consultations on gas between Russia, the EU and Ukraine on Monday.

Axar.az reports citing TASS.

"We also discussed issues of gas supplies to Ukraine. We see the readiness of our partners, including on gas supplies, from 2020, directly," he said. "Specific figures will be discussed later."

As for Russia, it is ready to ensure gas transit through Ukraine in 2020 in accordance with the European law, if the Ukrainian side is geared up for this, Alexander Novak commented following the tripartite consultations on gas.

The energy minister pointed out that Russia was ready to work with Ukraine under the existing contract for gas transit through the country until Ukraine implements European legislation. "It is important for us, we have emphasized this the previous time — we are ready to work under European law. If our partners cannot implement this legislation in time, we are ready to work on the basis of the existing contract with technical adjustments after 2020 and until the law is implemented," he said.