Moscow expert: Russia could found 10 naval bases in Pacific instead of gas discounts for Ukraine

03.11.2010 Once the prattle around Ukraine's regional elections calm down, everyone will return to the most urgent political issue – price reduction for Russian gas and Moscow's refusal of South Stream project. However, it is still uncertain what Kiev can offer in return.

That was said by Konstantin Simonov, president of National Energy Security Fund during live teleconference between Moscow and Kiev.

"Anyway, we will get back to economic issues which have not been settled so far. Now these problems are out of focus because of elections, but they will be again in the spotlight very soon... Ukraine should help itself. This country needs Russian gas transit; so do we just to save money. All these issues are still topical", said the expert.

He wondered why Ukrainian establishment considers that Russia allegedly treats Kharkov agreements like everlasting, but gas deliveries contract signed by Yulia Timoshenko – as temporary one.

"What is meant by "we're not put up with the price"? There's a contract after all. So what – you must pay $260-255 but absolutely comfortable with $230?

Sooner or later Moscow will raise the question whether or not the Kharkov agreement is necessary. Russian president recently visited Vietnam and was offered to restore and use Cam Ranh naval base for only $300 mln. Take note, that ocean base is strategically significant. We could establish 10 bases in Pacific Ocean instead of wasting money for gas discounts to Ukraine", said Simonov.