Leader of the Opposition Yanukovich is also keen to improve gas relations with Russia, reviving the idea of a gas consortium for allowing Moscow to co-manage Ukrainian pipelines.

While, Ukraine is dependent on Russian energy, Moscow keen to keep its fleet in Sevastopol, views it as a certain guarantee Kiev will not join NATO.

Talking to state television Vesti-24, Yanukovich said it was essential to return to a friendly strategic relationship format with Russia, working for the benefit of both countries.

Analysts purport Yanukovich is compelled to offer Moscow concessions regarding the Black Sea Fleet, hoping to persuade lower gas prices from Moscow, in order to help Ukraine’s strained public finances.

Repeatinng he was trying to persuade Moscow not to build new pipelines to reduce gas transit through Ukraine, instead Yanukovich said he may propose Moscow and the European Union co-manage Ukrainian pipelines, boosting supply security and avoiding a disputes in recent years, which have resulted in supply cuts to the EU, a quarter of whose gas needs are catered to by Russia.

Moscow had said if allowed to co-own and manage gas pipelines, it could increase supplies via Ukraine, however, a law was adopted by Ukraine forbidding their privatisation, leading to Moscow’s decision to increase supplies bypassing Ukraine.