KIEV, Aug. 23 - Ukraine’s talks with Russia over natural gas prices may soon be entering the final stage and will be joined by President Viktor Yanukovych, Energy Minister Yuriy Boyko said Monday.

Boyko, who has led the talks so far, on Monday ruled out the possibility of Russia acquiring control over Ukraine’s natural gas transportation system. He said the cooperation is possible on parity basis.

“The talks are not easy, but have always managed to find compromises due to the strategic level of our relations,” Boyko said in an interview with Channel 5 late Monday. “This is what’s going to happen this time too.”