KIEV, Rabi'II 19, 1434, Mar 1, 2013, SPA -- Ukraine's president Viktor Yanukovych, set for tough talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin on the price of gas imports, hinted on Friday that Kiev might compromise over its gas pipeline network to try to secure lower energy prices from its giant neighbour, according to Reuters. Ukraine, a transit route for more than half of Russian gas shipped to the European Union, and itself heavily reliant on Russian supplies, has repeatedly clashed with Moscow over the price of its imports. But Moscow is seeking concessions from the former Soviet republic, such as joining a Russia-led trade bloc or giving up control over its pipeline network, in exchange for reviewing terms of a 2009 10-year gas deal which the present Kiev government says fixed an exorbitant price for gas. Ukraine has balked at Moscow's demands, which might endanger a lucrative trade deal with the European Union, and has so far failed to persuade Moscow to reduce the price. Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Yanukovich said the price Ukraine paid for its gas from Russia - around $430 per 1,000 cubic metres - is "the noose around our neck". -- SPA 18:58 LOCAL TIME 15:58 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1083163