KYIV, Oct 18 – Ukraine, in conditions of insufficient natural gas reserves and possible problems with imports during the heating season due to Russia's actions, needs to agree with traders to stop gas exports from the country and seek U.S. assistance, ex-head of the board of Naftogaz Ukrayiny Andriy Kobolev said.

"It is necessary to negotiate with traders so that this gas remains in the UGS facilities and stops the export that is currently taking place," he said in the latest Freedom of Speech program hosted by Savik Shuster.