Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said Vladimir Putin's proposal to merge Gazprom and Naftogaz was "worth considering" (Kommersant 04.05.2010).
According to Azarov, Ukraine is certainly ready for a merger, given that it would be set up on equal terms. "If there are equal shares, we'll go ahead," the official said, adding that entering such an alliance as a minority partner would require "a serious study."
Some experts believe Naftogaz Ukraine is worth less than 10% of Gazprom. Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said Ukraine needs to be pragmatic about Russia's initiative and must put national interests first.