Russia PM orders cut to gas going through Ukraine

NOVO-OGARYOVO, Russia (Reuters) – Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin told Gazprom on Monday to cut gas supplies through Ukraine by the same amount that Moscow alleges Kiev is diverting from Europe.

Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller told Putin at the Russian prime minister’s residence near Moscow he proposed cutting gas delivered to the Russian-Ukrainian border by 65.3 million cubic meters.

“Yes, cut it today,” Putin replied. Gazprom said it would make up for the cuts by sending increase gas supplies to Europe via alternative routes.