Russia insists on cash settlement for the gas supply to Ukraine

Commenting the protracted visit of the PM Fradkov, Russian Minister of industry and Energy Victor Khristenko stressed Ukraine should pay real money for Russian gas and the transit.

He mentioned Ukraine comprehended the necessity of the market principles in the mutual settlements between two partners but it has not taken any step to introduce such principles in the corresponding contracts.

Khristenko stresses that unsettled gas problem may jeopardize the supply to Ukraine or even to Europe. Neither Russia nor Ukraine wishes such problems.