Solution In Sight For Russia-Ukraine Gas Delivery Problem As Gazprom, Naftogaz Chiefs Meet In Moscow

January 8, 2009 9:13 a.m. EST

Moscow, Russia (AHN) - A solution appears likely for the rift between Russia and Ukraine over natural gas delivery as gas officials from the two nations held a surprise meeting Wednesday in Moscow.

Sergei Kupriyanov, spokesman of Gazprom, confirmed the company's chief executive Alexei Miller met with his counterpart from Naftogaz Oleg Dubina in which they tackled how to end the crisis.

The meeting comes on the heels of an ultimatum issued by the European Union for the two countries to solve the issue by Thursday.

The last time Dubina and Miller met was on Dec. 31 when they failed to agree on contract terms for the sale of natural gas to Ukraine. Their Moscow meeting was held a day ahead they were supposed to face EU officials in Belgium.

While Gazprom confirmed the unexpected meeting, it did not disclose what transpired during the talks.