The latest: Russia Accuses Ukraine of Diverting Gas, Supplies to Moldova Halted

02.01.2006
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Diverting Gas, Supplies to Moldova Halted
Russia’s Gazprom on Monday accused Ukraine of diverting about $25 million worth of Russian gas intended for other European countries, a day after Moscow halted deliveries to Kiev in a price dispute. Meanwhile, gas supplies were halted to Moldova. European customers reported first problems.

02.01.2006
Putin’s Critics Blast Russian Gas Cut to Ukraine
Russia’s move to halt natural gas supplies to Ukraine over the price dispute between the two neighbors is a mistake, an outspoken Kremlin critic said Monday. Former Kremlin adviser insisted Moscow had no legal right to cut gas import.

02.01.2006
Russia Assumes G-8 Presidency
Russia on Sunday took over the presidency of the G-8 group of leading industrialized nations for the first time, saying it wants to use its one-year leadership to stimulate a global dialogue on energy supply.

02.01.2006
Ukraine Says Russia Seeks to Destabilize Its Economy, Calls for New Talks
Ukraine’s foreign ministry has accused Moscow of seeking to destabilise the country’s economy by cutting its natural gas supply, amid a pricing row which is already affecting supply to European nations. At the same time, Kiev said it was seeking fresh talks with Moscow to resolve the crisis.

02.01.2006
Light Aircraft Crashes in Ukraine, Victims Reported
A business-class BAE-125 aircraft crashed on Monday in Ukraine, killing at least two people on board.

02.01.2006
1 Killed in Dormitory Fire in Russian Capital
A fire erupted in the early hours of Monday in a workers’ dormitory in central Moscow, killing one woman and seriously injuring at least 3 people who were hospitalized. Sixteen people were treated on the spot for smoke inhalation.

02.01.2006
Europe Suffers Gas Import Cuts Following Russia’s Move
European countries were enduring reduced gas supplies at the height of winter on Monday after Russia halted its deliveries to Ukraine, stirring fears about the use of energy as a political weapon. The State Department in Washington said it regretted Russia’s move.

02.01.2006
China, Russia Pledge to Strengthen Ties, Promote Cultural Exchanges
Chinese President Hu Jintao and Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to build stronger ties between the two neighbors in the new year, state media reported.

02.01.2006
Iran Rejects Russia’s Nuclear Plan
Iran on Monday issued an official rejection of a Russian proposal to allow Tehran to enrich uranium in Russia. Moscow’s plan was aimed at resolving Iran’s standoff with the West over its nuclear program.