Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko warned the
European Union Tuesday that Russia might completely cut off Russian natural gas supplies
to Europe through Ukraine.
"In the opinion of Viktor Yushchenko, the Russian side intends to either
significantly reduce or stop altogether the transit of Russian natural
gas" to Europe through Ukraine, the Ukrainian leader said in a message to
E.U. leaders.
Yushchenko's office said in a statement he had sent the message to the
leadership of the E.U. and the bloc's member states, several of which have
reported shortfalls of gas supplied by Russian energy company OAO Gazprom
(GAZP.RS).
"I believe it is necessary to inform you that Gazprom has sharply reduced
gas supplies to Ukraine for subsequent transit to the European customers as of
early Jan. 6, 2009," the statement quoted Yushchenko as saying.
Russia cut gas supply to Ukraine on Jan. 1 over a payment dispute. It then accused Ukraine of stealing Russian gas meant for customers in Europe.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin Monday ordered an immediate reduction of
gas shipped to Europe via Ukraine to compensate for volumes Gazprom said had been
illegally siphoned off by Kiev to offset its own shortfall.