KIEV, Aug. 10 - Ukraine will need Russian natural gas supplies in the winter to prevent shortages of energy and will try to resume the imports before high-demand season begins, Energy and Coal Industry Minister Volodymyr Demchyshyn said Monday.

Ukraine suspended Russian gas imports on July 1 amid disagreement over gas prices, and Europe currently remains the only source of gas for the country.

“Even with all efforts that we’re making, peak demand will have to be covered by supplies from Russia,” Demchyshyn said at a press conference. “That’s why we’re absolutely intend to have a deal with the Russians.”