Gazprom says it can't depend on Ukraine
03-01-2009
The Russian gas giant Gazprom says it can no longer depend on Ukraine as a transit route to the European Union and is looking to develop alternatives. The deputy chairman of Gazprom, Alexander Medvedev, said he hoped EU countries would back the move. Gazprom cut off Ukraine's gas supply on Thursday in a row over payment. The firm has since accused Ukraine of stealing gas. However, Ukraine blamed Russia for not sending enough gas to ensure the EU supplies. Ukraine's state gas company, Naftogaz, denied illegally siphoning Russian gas, saying it was ensuring the export supply. Romania, Poland and Hungary have all reported a drop in the gas pressure coming in and the Czech presidency of the EU said a crisis was needed to avert further disruption.
