A U.S.-based energy company and Ukraine are on the verge of signing a deal that would lessen Russia’s influence and give the West greater leverage on the former Soviet republic. Westinghouse Electric Co. of Pennsylvania said on Thursday it is in negotiations to extend its contract with Ukraine energy operator Energoatom to supply nuclear fuel for reactors, a deal that would bolster the country’s commitment to long-term cooperation with the West. The talks come after the administration has extended the welcome mat to the interim Ukraine government as Kiev looks to strike deals with Western partners. In March, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk met with President Barack Obama before meeting with Westinghouse officials in Pennsylvania. “Westinghouse is currently in discussions with Energoatom to agree on an amended fuel supply contract,” Westinghouse spokesman Hans Korteweg said. Ilona Zayets, a spokeswoman for state-owned Energoatom, said the two sides are in final […]