US Slams Russia for Gas Threats

The United States has condemned Russia's threat to cut off gas supplies to Ukraine.

In a statement made by the State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki, "Russia's efforts to use energy as a tool of coercion" are unacceptable, the BBC reports.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed in a letter that Gazprom could revert to halting Ukraine's gas supplies if the country doesn't pay up its debts. He added that Ukraine will be able to receive only gas for which it has paid a month in advance.

The United States says it is ready to provide financial assistance to Ukraine in the case of a gas crisis.

Last week, Russia's energy giant Gazprom announced price hikes for delivery of gas to Ukraine, from USD 268 per 1000 cubic meters to USD 485 for the same amount. In response, acting Ukrainian PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk said his country is not ready to pay the new price.

The United States argues that Russia is not playing by market rules and determining energy prices on its own basis.