Kyiv does not recognize a $7 billion debt claimed by Gazprom as a penalty for not taking the amount of gas Ukraine earlier contracted to import in 2012.

"As far as I understand, the Ukrainian government refused to recognize $7 billion as Ukraine's sovereign debt while I was on my way," Kozhara told Ukrainian journalists in Brussels.

He insisted that Russia and Ukraine, as strategic partners, should address any problems in their relations at a negotiating table.

"If they are not resolved there, the gas supply contract with Russia itself envisions other procedures that could be used as well," Kozhara said.