Hopes for resumption of Russian gas supplies sink

Russian and Ukrainian officials bickered into the night Friday over a deal leading to the resumption of Russian gas supplies, squelching hopes for an end to a dispute leaving parts of Europe in the cold and dark. European Union representatives started work in Ukraine's capital, Kiev, to monitor the flow of gas, offering an independent assessment that was critical to sealing a bargain. But Russia said it would only restart pumping gas to Europe via Ukraine after a written deal is signed. Russia wants monitors in place to prevent what it described as Ukraine's theft of supplies meant for Europe — a charge Kiev hotly denies. "Our goal is to show who is to blame for stealing gas," Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said. "Such thievery can't be left unaccountable." Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko rejected the notion.... [read full story]                    

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