KIEV, Sept. 28 - Prime Minister Mykola Azarov on Tuesday was unsure whether his government can persuade Russia to abandon construction of the South Stream natural gas pipeline, which may hurt Ukraine’s economic interests.

Ukraine has been waging a massive diplomatic effort over the past two months to try to stop the South Stream project, but so far without success.

“You should ask Russian leaders the same question,” Azarov said at a press conference asked if he was confident the talks will stop the South Stream. “We suggest our arguments, but whether they will be convincing enough depends on the position of Russia.”