Topic: Gunther Oettinger

Political responsibility and economic sense have prevailed with the signing of a gas deal between Russia and Ukraine, the European Commission president said.

An agreement meant to settle longstanding gas disputes between Russia and Ukraine is "within reach," the president of the European Commission said Thursday.

The Russian government said Tuesday its representatives met separately with the European energy commissioner before talks about the Ukrainian gas crisis.

The European Commission said Monday it scheduled another round of talks with its Russian and Ukrainian counterparts to settle a lingering gas issue.

If members of the European Union show some solidarity, they'll be able to cope with a potential Russian gas shortage, the European energy commissioner said.

Russia is ready to respond should its Ukrainian or European Union partners renege on trilateral energy agreements, a Kremlin spokesman said Monday.

Trilateral natural gas talks Friday in Berlin have resulted in temporary relief for Ukraine, delegates at the conference confirmed.

Norwegian Energy Minister Tord Lien said his country has the resources and infrastructure in place to serve as a steady partner in the European energy sector.

The Ukrainian government will ensure natural gas will flow uninterrupted though its territory to the European market, the prime minister said Tuesday.

The European Commission confirmed a trilateral meeting with Russian and Ukrainian energy ministers was scheduled for Friday in Berlin.