Russia intends to suspend gas deliveries to Ukraine unless Kiev makes a further prepayment as its current balance only covers three or four days' gas supply, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday, according to Sputnik news agency.
"Prepayments, made by Ukrainian side, are enough for three - four days. If [further] payment is not made, Gazprom, in compliance with this contract, will halt the [gas] supplies," Putin said at a press conference.
"Naturally, it may create a certain threat for the transit to Europe," Putin added.
Ukraine's state energy company Naftogaz on Monday accused Russia's Gazprom of failing to deliver the gas for which Kiev had prepaid.
According to a statement by the company's press service, Gazprom was to deliver 114 cubic meters both on February 22 and February 23 but supplied only 47 and 39 million cubic meters on these dates instead, respectively.
On Tuesday, Gazprom head Alexei Miller, in turn, said that the amount of gas prepaid by Ukraine was estimated at 219 million cubic meters, enough for a couple of days only.
Source: MENA