KIEV, Sept. 9 – The Ukrainian authorities will not allow a downturn in the national economy if the price of natural gas is raised, said Iryna Akimova first deputy head of Ukraine's Presidential Administration.

"If the question arises of whether the economy will survive or not, then, of course, all decisions will be taken solely in the national interests to ensure that the economy survives, taking into account all of the external restrictions that Ukraine is currently facing or expecting to face," Akimova said.