Russia expects the next round of talks aimed to resolve the protracted gas dispute with Ukraine to take place on June 9 in Brussels.

      According to the Russian energy ministry, representatives from Moscow, Kiev and Brussels will convene for a second time in order to find an amicable solution before the June 10 deadline.

      Earlier, Gazprom announced it would switch to advance payments with Ukraine if it fails to repay its mounting debt currently standing at almost 4.5 billion, according to the Russian gas giant.

      In May, Russia signed an historic deal with China on natural gas supplies with a view to diversify its exports amid similar calls in Europe.

      The exact price has not been disclosed but it’s been reported that the 30-year contract for the supplies of 38 billion cubic meters of gas could bring Russia as much as $400 billion.