Putin offers Kiev breathing space on gas payment

摘要

Russia is ready to give Ukraine a month to pay its gas debts before switching to a prepayment system. “We understand the difficult financial situation in Ukraine,” President Vladimir Putin said on 17 April during a televised question and answer session with the Russian public. “We understand that switching to prepayment could impact the transit of Russian gas to Europe, which is one reason why we are prepared to wait and co-operate.”