MOSCOW, Aug. 25 - Fuel and Energy Minister Yuriy Prodan hopes that Gazprom and Naftogaz can find a compromise in talks on a reduction in natural gas supplies to Ukraine in 2010.

"I think this [the reduction in gas purchases] is the theme of the negotiations at which both parties should find a compromise," he told journalists in Kiev on Tuesday.

Asked if Moscow and Kiev are holding such talks right now, Prodan answered in the affirmative.