Ukraine has raised the stakes in its natural gas dispute with Russia, saying that if Russia further cuts its shipments, Ukraine could restrict gas passing through its territory to Western Europe, AP reports.

Much of the gas that Russia sells to Europe goes in pipelines that cross Ukraine.

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Russia on Monday reduced its shipments to Ukraine by about one-third in a dispute over debts and unsigned contracts, and is threatening a further cut Tuesday evening.

A statement from Ukraine`s natural gas company says that if that happens, Ukraine could reduce the amount of gas heading downstream.