Russia stops delivery of gas over payment

Russian gas giant Gazprom ceased supplying gas to Ukraine on Wednesday, saying that Kiev had failed to make the required upfront payments on time.

"Deliveries will be ceased until a new prepayment is received from Ukraine's (state-run energy firm) Naftogaz," Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said.

No new prepayment from Kiev was received as of Wednesday morning, nor did Naftogaz request gas deliveries, Miller was quoted by RIA Novosti news agency as saying.