MOSCOW, Dec. 21 - The Russian side views Kiev's desire to sign a supplementary agreement to its gas supply contract as an attempt to strengthen its position in the multibillion-dollar Stockholm arbitration between Gazprom and Naftogaz Ukrayiny.

Speaking on Rossiya 24 television, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said: "Naftogaz has announced it is ready to purchase gas without a discount. Its only demand is to amend the contract. But no alteration to the contract is needed to purchase gas. The Ukrainian side is trying to create favorable terms for itself in Stockholm arbitration. Our position here is very firm: there will be no alterations to the contract."