Igor Vinokurov refused to confirm Ukrainian media reports about a million-dollar ransom that the abductors demanded for the release.
"We expect our compatriots to be free as early as today," Vinokurov told Ukraine's Channel Five television station, adding that negotiations on the release of the Ukrainian and Norwegian sailors were continuing.
Early on August 9, unidentified assailants kidnapped four crewmen, two Ukrainians and two Norwegians, from a Norwegian ship servicing oil platforms in Nigerian territorial waters. The abductors were apparently trying to seize an oil platform on the local shelf.
"The hostages are in good health," he said. "The conditions they are being kept in are also satisfactory."
Another kidnapping incident took place in Nigeria on Monday when unidentified assailants abducted four foreigners from a local bar. No demands have been made so far.
