Gazprom on Friday launched a new round of negotiations with Naftogaz of Ukraine on forming a joint venture, the Russian gas monopoly said.

Gazprom Chairman Alexei Miller and Ukrainian Fuel and Energy Minister Yuri Boiko held a working meeting in Moscow earlier on Friday.

"During the meeting, there were discussions on the development of the strategic partnership between the companies, and a new round of negotiations began on a joint venture between Gazprom and Naftogaz," the company said in a statement.

Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Andriy Klyuyev has said that the shape of the Russian-Ukrainian partnership in the energy sector will be determined before the year is out.

Opinions differ, however, on quite what form it should take on.

While Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said the companies should push for a joint venture, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin proposed a merger, something that the Ukrainian opposition fears would put the country's sovereignty at risk.

MOSCOW, Aug 20 (RIA Novosti)