Putin: Russia could cut gas to Ukraine on Saturday

[March 05, 2009]  MOSCOW (AP) -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is warning that Russia will cut natural gas to Ukraine if the country doesn't make payments by Saturday.

Much of Russia's gas destined for Europe transits Ukraine. A dispute over payments caused a two-week cutoff of Russian gas to much of Europe this winter before it was resolved.

Ukraine's next payment is due Saturday. Ukraine's ability to pay is undermined by a severe financial crisis.

In addition, Ukraine's national security service raided the offices of the country's gas company Wednesday in a probe of alleged gas diversion. The raid was seen as part of a political fight that could undermine Ukraine's ability to pay.

Putin said on television Thursday that the raid "is a source of extreme concern."

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.