Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

Kyiv, January 3 (Interfax-Ukraine) - The National JSC Naftogaz Ukrainy has refuted Russian Gazprom's claim that it has outstanding debt of $614 million for the gas imported and consumed in November-December 2008.

Naftogaz Ukraine received on December 30 the confirmation via the financial telecommunication (SWIFT) network that the RosUkrEnergo AG had received the payment from Naftogaz. The respective document signed by Naftogaz Ukrainy CEO Oleh Dubyna is currently at OJSC Gazprom's office, Naftogaz Ukrainy said in a statement released on Friday evening.

Ukraine's national gas operator once again stressed that it hasn't unilaterally withdrawn from the gas talks with Gazprom. The talks were stopped due to OJSC Gazprom's refusal of Naftogaz Ukrainy's proposals on setting economically justified gas price for Ukrainian consumers and respective economically adjusted rate of gas transit through Ukraine's territory.

"Naftogaz considers that any statement from official representatives of Gazprom about the unsanctioned siphoning off by Ukraine of Russian gas destined for Europe is untrue and damage the reputation of Naftogaz as a reliable transporter of energy to European Union countries," the company said in a statement.