Dear Devon,
Thank you for the work you're doing. We really appreciate it.
Please, find attached Nicolay's passport and US visa copies as well as his short bio. Let me know if there is anything else you might need in this regard. The visa was issued on May 18, 2011 for 5 years while he was holding the position of Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine. Also, looking forward to seeing Alex's proposal re the video by the end of today.
As you remember, after our numerous communications with the Ministry the Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Mr Prodan promised to take care of this issue and gave an assignment to his deputy (the bald guy who was sitting opposite us). Taras contacted him personally and he also said that the issue would be settled. I also reminded to the Minister his promise via his assistants. However, up till now nothing has been done. We are basically where were before. I am drafting a thank-you letter from you to Minister Prodan re the meeting we had back when you were in Kiev and reiterating your concern.
As to the tax rate, as I've told you before, on October, 14 the Ukrainian parliament is holding a vote. Should the parliament pass this law, its consequences for the entire Ukrainian gas industry indeed would be very negative, meaning us and all other gas producers would stop reinvesting into drilling new wells. The issue re the number of wells will be shut down. We prefer not to think about it. Today, all gas producers and us are doing whatever we can to influence this decision. As you know, I've communicated this information to all possible counterparts in the US. US embassy here, State dep, etc. All institutions are aware of this, and to be frank, all of them support our efforts. Our colleagues are also trying to influence members of the government and the parliament, but it looks like our authorities just cannot "read" signals.
if you could think of any possible additional source of influence, please, let me know!
We also contacted several influential journalists and experts in this area, and within next few weeks, they will make announcements, write publications with regard to this. The key message is that if the decision is taken, it will substantively jeopardize the energy security of Ukraine, etc.
So, fingers crossed, we hope that this decision will not pass.
I will keep you posted every step of the way.
Best,
Vadym