MOSCOW, September 15 (RIA Novosti) -Russia's President Vladimir Putin and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso have stressed the importance of continuing the dialogue on ensuring uninterrupted deliveries of Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine, the Kremlin press service said in a statement Monday.
"The importance of continuing the dialogue on ensuring uninterrupted deliveries of Russian gas to Europe through the territory of Ukraine has been stressed," the statement said.
Russia and Ukraine have conducted talks on the gas situation from April through to June to no avail. Kiev initially insisted on a reduced gas price but eventually declined the suggested discount.
In June, Russia introduced a prepayment model of gas deliveries to Ukraine over its $5.3 billion debt and warned that it would reduce gas supplies to Europe should Kiev siphon off gas transited to Europe through its territory.
Earlier on Monday, the European Commission and the Russian Energy Ministry told RIA Novosti that the Russia-EU-Ukraine gas talks will not take place on September 20, as other dates are currently being discussed.
