Russia-Ukraine talks on nuclear fuel supplies near completion

Russia's state-run nuclear fuel manufacturer TVEL has been the sole supplier of nuclear fuel to Ukrainian rectors, but Kiev is currently negotiating with U.S. firm Westinghouse on cooperation in 2010.

Natalya Shumkova said Ukraine's state-run nuclear power utility, Energoatom, and TVEL were currently discussing a short-term contract for supplies in 2009, a longer-term deal for deliveries from 2010, an agreement on the purchase by TVEL of uranium concentrate for enrichment purposes, and a memorandum of intent to build a nuclear fuel production facility in Ukraine.

"The four documents are already effectively ready to be signed. Separate provisions are now being agreed," Shumkova said.