Russia’s state-controlled gas monopoly Gazprom called today for more talks with its Polish counterpart PGNiG in their dispute over transit fees on a major pipeline that carries Russian gas to Europe.

A dispute over a major pipeline carrying Russian gas to Europe resurfaced today when Poland’s state-owned gas monopoly accused Russian natural gas giant Gazprom of partially suspending co-operation.

BONE-CHILLING Arctic weather claimed dozens more lives after an already deadly weekend, with 24 freezing deaths in a day in Ukraine alone, and rising tolls in Turkey, Poland, Russia and Germany.

The bitter cold seizing Russia retained its icy grip today and severe freezing temperatures spread westwards into much of Europe.