Ukraine signs Russia gas transit deal
11-01-2009
European Union and Ukrainian officials say Ukraine has signed a deal on the EU-led monitoring of Russian gas transit to Europe. Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek says signing of the deal clears the way for the resumption of Russian natural gas supplies to Europe. The Czech Republic holds the rotating EU presidency. Russian and European Union officials signed the deal earlier. Russia said it needs the written agreement to resume gas supplies halted four days ago amid a pricing dispute with Ukraine. Russia has accused Ukraine of stealing Russian gas intended for Europe. Ukraine has hotly denied the claims. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said gas supplies will resume once the deal is signed and monitors are in place.
