Ukraine is now wishing to engage Exxon Mobil Corp., Texaco and Chevron Corp. (all located in the U.S.) to development of the Black Sea shelf, Ukrainian Energy Minister Yuriy Boiko admitted on the Inter TV Channel on Friday evening.

"We have formed a corresponding program, we want to engage United States Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Texaco, as they have significant experience of working at great depths," noted the minister.

He added that Ukraine and the U.S. companies are currently having negotiations the establishment of a joint venture (an international consortium).

"The negotiations are underway, there is no final resolution yet, but we have received the relevant proposals," he admitted.