KIEV, May 18 - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Tuesday Russia will not be “forcing” natural gas sector projects on Ukraine, but argued greater cooperation was needed to ensure steady transit of its gas to Europe.

“Russia has no willingness to force any options on Ukraine,” Medvedev said addressing students at the Shevchenko National University.

Medvedev is in Ukraine to try to persuade President Vikor Yanukovych to accept the idea of merging Gazprom and Naftogaz Ukrayiny. Yanukovych has earlier rejected the merger.