Putin urges to halt gas supply to Ukraine

Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin urged to halt gas supply to Ukraine and warned the suspension might stop deliveries to European nations further west, as well if Ukraine fails to pay for gas by March 7, Interfax reports.

«If the armed raids and arrests of officials in Ukraine result in the country’s failure to pay for energy supplies, this could lead to a cut-off in deliveries for Ukrainian consumers, and possibly for consumers in Europe,» Putin said.

«Russia is aware of Ukrainian security officials reportedly demanding the original copies of the company’s January gas deal with Russia’s Gazprom,» Putin outlined.

«We urge both the European Commission and our European consumers to focus their attentions on this issue,» Putin said.

«In view of reports on the actions of Ukrainian security services in relation to Ukraine’s Naftogaz and its officials, including the intention to seize gas on the territory of Ukraine, we cannot but express our extreme concern over the possible consequences of these actions,» Putin said.