Russia and EU sign gas monitoring deal

Russian and European Union officials have signed a deal regarding the deployment of EU officials to monitor Russian gas shipments through Ukraine.

But the deal – a key condition for the resumption of Russian gas supplies to freezing Europe – must still be signed by Ukraine to come into force.

Russian and EU officials approved it following today’s talks between Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and visiting Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, whose country holds the rotating European Union presidency.

Mr Putin said the written deal is necessary to control the flow of gas to Europe.

Moscow has accused Ukraine of stealing Russian gas intended for Europe. Ukraine has hotly denied the claims.