Ukraine, Kiev, 27 February / corr Trend Z.Novosvitskiy /Alexander Turchinov, the Ukrainian first vice premier, stated to a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on 27 February that Ukraine has fully repaid its natural gas debts Russia in 2006-2007.
"The Cabinet of Ministers financially supported the national company Naftogas of Ukraine and at present Ukraine does not owe mediator for the gas consumed by 1 January 2008. The debts that we inherited for 2006 and 2007 have been financially covered," Turchinov said.
The first prime minister said that Ukraine covered its debts by 'live money' and demonstrated members of the Government and journalist that the financial orders were verified through bank seals.
"The 5.2bln grn [national currency] were repaid through live money and dividends, which Naftogas received in 2006 and at the same time, Ukraine does not recognize a 414mln grn loan which was calculated for gas consumed in 2006 at the price of 2007," Turchinov said.
The first prime minister announced that this sum is contested at the court.
On 26 February UkrGasEnergo (Naftogas and RosUkrEnergo) stated that Naftogas's debts to joint enterprises for the consumption but not paid natural gas by 21:00 on 26 February, comprise approximately 3.388bln grn at the end of the transaction banking day.
On 26 February the Russian gas giant Gasprom stated that beginning from 10.00 on 3 March it cease gas supply to Ukraine by 25% unless the problems are solved. Ukraine gas debts comprise 1.9bln cu m of Russian gas.
Ukrainian President Victor Yuschenchko committed Prime Minister Yuliy Timoshenko to take urgent measures to full repayment of natural gas debts to Ukraine.