Ukraine crisis: Russia halts gas supplies to Kiev
Ukraine says Russia has cut off all gas supplies to Kiev, in a major escalation of a dispute between the two nations, BBC reports. "Gas supplies to Ukraine have been reduced to zero," Ukrainian Energy Minister Yuri Prodan said. Russia's state-owned gas giant Gazprom said Ukraine had to pay upfront for its gas supplies, after Kiev failed to settle its huge debt. Gazprom had sought from Kiev $1.95bn (£1.15bn) - out of $4.5bn it says it is owed - by 06:00 GMT. The Russian firm said it would continue to supply gas to Europe. Russia-Ukraine ties remain tense since Moscow annexed Crimea in February. Kiev says Moscow backs separatists in the east of the country. Russia denies the charge. "We reached no agreement. The chances that we meet again are slim," Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kuprianov said after crisis talks in Ukraine at the weekend. On Monday, Gazprom stressed that it would continue to supply European consumers with gas at "full volume" and that it was Ukraine's responsibility to make sure the gas transited through the country. However, correspondents say the EU could be affected. About 15% of the EU's gas supply is Russian gas which is piped through Ukraine. Earlier this month, Gazprom gave Ukraine more time to settle its gas bill after receiving a part-payment of $786m (£469m). Ukraine said it refused to clear its debts completely in protest at Gazprom's recent 80% price increase. The talks that ended on Monday had been brokered by EU representatives.
