Russia has suggested that Ukraine settle its natural gas debt with Gazprom by counting the sum as the company`s advance payment for gas transit through the republic. No decision has yet been made, however, as Viktor Zubkov, first deputy PM and head of Gazprom`s board of directors, announced in a statement addressed to the European partners, RBC reported. According to the Russian government`s press office, the address was sent out in accordance with an energy agreement between Russia and the European Union on early notifications.

      Zubkov stressed that the Russian government had been trying to resolve the debt issue with Ukraine, but did not succeed because of Kyiv`s unwillingness to settle the matter.

      At the same time, the official underlined that Russia would fulfill all obligations on gas supplies to Europe, adding however, that Ukraine`s current position could result in inconsistency in gas transit through the country`s territory.

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