Ukrainian state energy firm Naftogaz is acquiring the funds needed for January's Russian gas imports and will pay the bill on time, acting Finance Minister Ihor Umansky said on Wednesday. "Naftogaz is preparing the necessary funds. We will settle the bill on time," Umansky said on the sidelines of a government meeting.
Late payments for Russian gas have caused disputes between Kiev and Moscow which have led to supply cuts. Relations with Moscow have deteriorated under President Viktor Yushchenko, who will step down after losing a presidential election on Sunday.
