Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin proposed a merger of Russia's gas giant Gazprom and Ukraine's energy company Naftohaz Ukrainy. "I propose to merge Gazprom and Naftohaz of Ukraine," Reuters quoted Putin telling a meeting of the inter-government committee. He added that Russian bank VTB may issue a $500 million loan to Ukraine's government.
Gazprom's chief executive Alexei Miller said the company was ready to consider an asset swap with Naftogaz in business segments ranging from exploration to sales.
