KIEV, Jan. 20 - Ukraine plans “full-scale” negotiations with Russia over natural gas prices to prevent a possible steep price hike in April, Energy and Coal Industry Minister Volodymyr Demchyshyn said Tuesday.

Demchyshyn reacted to comments made by Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller that Russia will revoke a discount on gas price starting April 1, suggesting the price may steeply increase.

“We will try again to hold full-scale negotiations [with Russia] involving European partners,” Demchyshyn said at a press conference. “Previous negotiations were extremely difficult. You can see what statements are made now. These are only the first small steps."