Reuters: Gazprom warns Europeans against selling gas to Ukraine

Gazprom warned European companies on Wednesday against what it alleges are illicit resales of Russian gas to Ukraine, stepping up pressure on its neighbour in a long-standing contractual dispute.

Ukraine argues that it is being forced to pay too much for its gas from the Russian company, which covers a quarter of Europe's gas needs. Similar stand-offs led to temporary cuts in gas supplies to Europe in 2006 and 2009, though there has been no indication that such blocks - embarrassing both for Russia and Ukraine - could be repeated.

Russia ships more than half its gas exports to Europe via Ukraine, which is tied to a disputed long-term contract with Gazprom at higher prices than those paid by buyers in the European Union.

Ukraine began importing small volumes of gas from Europe last year and wants to buy up to 8 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas a year from central Europe to replace expensive Russian supplies.  

Gazprom Chief Executive Alexei Miller has said Ukraine is using "fraudulent" schemes to carry out shipments of Russian gas from European markets. MORE