Putin in new Ukraine gas warning

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Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has said Ukraine might be having problems paying for gas, raising new concerns over European supplies.

Mr Putin said the European Union had not yet given Ukraine the money it had promised to help provide stable supplies of Russian gas to Europe.

He also blamed Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko for blocking payment.

In January, many countries were left short of gas because of a payment dispute between Moscow and Kiev.

'Blocking funds'

"It appears we are again having problems with payments for our energy supplies, which is extremely regrettable. The EU has still not provided Ukraine with the money it has promised for that purpose," Mr Putin said.

"European leaders are referring us to the European Commission, while the European Commission leadership are evading discussing the issue with us."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8335041.stm