Ukraine's energy company Naftogaz could be split into three companies after restructuring, the company's head said on Monday.
The three companies would tackle separately the production, transportation and sales of natural gas, Yevhen Bakulin said in an interview with Channel 5 television.
He added that all three companies would have good prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between Ukraine and Russia.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych ordered the government last week to prepare a draft project on the restructuring of Naftogaz by October 1.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said on Monday that Ukraine would welcome Russia's participation in a new natural gas production company, which could obtain a license for the production of about one trillion cubic meters of natural gas.
"Naftogaz will be restructured to emerge as a completely transparent natural gas production company," Azarov told reporters in Kiev. "If Russia decides to be part of this venture - it is welcome."
Last week Azarov said Ukraine would scrap Naftogaz, an acquisition target of Russian gas giant Gazprom, and revise all current gas agreements with Russia.
