KIEV (AFP)--A Ukrainian delegation will begin touring European capitals Friday to discuss gas delivery problems after Russia cut off supplies to neighboring Kiev, the foreign ministry was quoted as saying.
"The objective of the delegation's visit is to hold talks with governments of European Union countries on resolving the existing problem with ... deliveries of Russian gas in Europe," Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Vassili Kirilich said Thursday, Interfax-Ukraine reported.
On Thursday, Russia cut off Ukraine's gas supplies and sharply raised the price it was offering on a new 2009 contract: After Ukraine rejected its offer of $250, Moscow said it was now offering $418 (EUR299) per 1,000 cubic meters.
Headed by energy minister Yuri Prodan, the delegation will first meet with Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek of the Czech Republic, which took over the rotating E.U. presidency Jan. 1, before heading to other European capitals.
Both Ukraine and the E.U. say they have enough gas reserves to see them through the winter.
Major European consumers of Russian gas, most of which transits across Ukraine, reported no immediate impact on their supplies.
Nonetheless, the E.U. has expressed concern about another gas dispute, three years after a similar cut-off in January 2006.