Russia to shut off Ukraine gas supply

The CEO of Russia’s state gas monopoly Gazprom said tonight Russia will cut off all gas supplies to Ukraine tomorrow morning.

Alexei Miller said the decision was made after today’s talks ended with no agreement on how much Ukraine will pay for natural gas shipments in 2009.

He also said Gazprom had not yet received the money Ukraine said it transferred to cover its debt. Gazprom says Ukraine owes €1.45bn.

Miller said Gazprom will do its best to make sure European consumers receive their gas on time. Most of the gas Russia supplies to Europe goes through Ukraine.