BRUSSELS, Jan. 13 – Despite numerous statements by the Ukrainian authorities, the European Commission has not received any specific proposals on the formation of a gas transportation consortium by Ukraine, Russia and the EU.

KIEV, Jan. 16 - Ukraine will soon reopen talks with Russia over natural gas prices and tariffs that Kiev charges Gazprom for moving its gas to markets in the European Union, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Turchynov said Wednesday.

KIEV, Jan. 16 – Ukraine is now entering the “moment of truth” in its relations with NATO after formally requesting permission to join the Membership Action Plan in April, a senior official said Wednesday.

KIEV, Jan. 15 - Ukraine is interested in taking part in the Nabucco gas transport project, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said at a Monday press conference with Romanian President Traian Basescu in Sighetu Marmatiei.

KIEV, Jan. 16 ??“ The expected inflows of foreign currency to Ukraine from foreign borrowing and foreign investment in 2007 could prompt an increase in the currency reserves of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), according to Ukrainian banking experts.

KIEV, Jan. 16 ??“ Ukraine will push for diversification of its oil imports by seeking to start imports of Caspian Sea oil to reduce dependence on Russian crude, President Viktor Yushchenko Tuesday.

KIEV, Jan. 16 ??“ Yevhen Kushnariov, a senior member of the pro-government Regions Party, was in a critical condition on Tuesday after apparently being shot by accident during hunting, party officials said.

KIEV, Jan. 16 ??“ The pro-government coalition will appoint a new foreign minister in the middle of February if President Viktor Yushchenko refuses to replace Boris Tarasiuk from the post, a senior government official suggested Tuesday.

KIEV, Jan. 16 - Ukraine's exports of natural gas to Europe fell 45% on the year to 2.7 bln cubic meters in 2005, down from 4.9bcm exported in 2004, a Fuel and Energy Ministry official said that Ukraine exported 1.9bcm of gas to Germany in 2005.

KIEV, Jan. 16 ??“ Ukraine will seek to increase dramatically rent payments it charges Russia for stationing its Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, Defense Minister Anatoliy Hrytsenko said.