KIEV, Dec 18 (Reuters) - A deal for cheaper Russian gasagreed between Russia's Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogazwill not affect agreements between Kiev and Western energycompanies for shale gas exploration, Ukraine's energy ministersaid on Wednesday.
"The agreement with Gazprom in no way will weigh on therealisation of the projects with Shell and Chevron," EduardStavytsky told journalists.
Russia and Ukraine on Tuesday reached agreement on a $15billion aid package which includes lowering the price forRussian gas deliveries to Ukraine by about athird.
Earlier this year, the Kiev government signed separateagreements with Royal Dutch Shell and U.S. energy majorChevron on exploring for shale gas in Ukraine as part ofmoves to secure greater energy independence from Russia.