KYIV, July 18 - Gazprom will probably delay negotiations on the extension of the contract for gas transit through Ukraine, expecting possible changes in the country's leadership and policy, Andriy Kobolev, the head of Naftogaz, said.

"Most likely, they are waiting for elections [in Ukraine] and they want to see if there is any change in power and the country's political course. They will do everything possible to launch the Nord Stream 2 pipeline construction," Kobolev told the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency.