Energy minister Ivan Plachkov (epa)
29 December 2005 -- More talks are scheduled in Moscow today to defuse a row over the delivery of Russian gas to Ukraine.
No breakthrough was reported after a first round of talks yesterday between Ukraine's Fuel and Energy Minister Ivan Plachkov and his Russian counterpart Viktor Khristenko.
Russia's natural gas monopoly Gazprom wants to more than quadruple the price it charges Ukraine for gas as of 1 January. That would bring it into line with world market rates.
Ukraine says it is willing to pay market rates, but wants price increases to be phased in gradually over several years.
(Agencies)