Russia Ukraine Gas Talks Collapse -- Europe Is In A Deep Freeze

An employee controls the pressure gauge at a natural gas storing facility in eastern Germany. Russia said Friday it could resume gas supply to Europe immediately but would do so only when Ukraine signed a deal allowing independent experts from both the EU and Russia to monitor transit gas flows. (AFP/DDP/Jens Schlueter)

Hopes For Resumption Of Russian Gas Supplies Sink
-- Yahoo News/AP

KIEV, Ukraine – 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.

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More News On Europe's Energy Crisis

Europe faces frozen weekend as gas crisis continues -- The Telegraph
EU Fails To End Gas Crisis Between Ukraine and Russia -- Voice Of America
Central heating fails in Moldova after gas cut -- Reuters
EU energy experts mull gas output hike amid crisis -- Reuters
Yushchenko: Russia statements humiliate Ukraine -- Reuters
Gas row risks long-term damage to Russia's reputation -- Reuters
FACTBOX: 18 countries affected by Russia-Ukraine gas row -- Reuters