(dpa) - The Russian energy giant Gazprom said it would reduce gas supplies to Ukraine on Monday because of a payment dispute, officials in Kiev said.
The Russian natural gas monopolist informed the Ukrainian natural gas distribution company Ukrtranzgaz by telephone that the taps would be turned down as of 0930 GMT.
The move potentially could cut gas supplies to European consumers, as Ukraine in previous conflicts with Gazprom siphoned gas destined to Europe for its own needs.
Some 80 per cent of Gazprom gas travels to the European Union via Ukrainian pipelines.