After the meeting, the two prime ministers spoke to the media.

Vladimir Putin: Good evening. First, we would like to once again express our condolences to the Polish people regarding the horrible accident that occurred this morning in Smolensk.

Mr Azarov has come on a working visit. During our conversation, we discussed several issues regarding trade regulations and the removal of trade barriers between our countries. In a moment, Mr Azarov will speak on this in more detail.  

We discussed cooperation on nuclear power and the possibility of Russia financing work on the third and fourth units of the Khmelnitsky nuclear power plant in the amount of $5 billion - $6 billion.

We also talked about our relations in the gas sector. Mr Azarov has made proposals approved by the Ukrainian president. These proposals are interesting. I imagine we will decide on these soon. But they demand careful consideration and substantial calculations, and we should think things through and weigh all the factors.

Please, Mr Azarov.

Mykola Azarov: On behalf of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, I would also like to express my condolences to the Polish people regarding this terrible accident.

I would like to add a few words to Mr Putin's statement. We have discussed a range of issues affecting our relations. We have indeed submitted a number of proposals to Russia. They are all complex, and they certainly demand consideration and review. But Prime Minister Putin and I have agreed that we will carry this work out in the very near future.

As for barriers, these concern our pipe industry primarily. Prime Minister Putin has promised that he will issue the necessary directive to the relevant ministries and that this issue will no longer be a problem area in our relations.

I have been very pleased by Prime Minister Putin's constructive attitude and objective approach. I hope that in the next few days, we will indeed manage to find solutions to the problems we discussed today.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Mykola Azarov: Thank you, Mr Putin.