Russia raising export gas cost for Ukraine

KIEV, Ukraine, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Russia is raising the cost of natural gas for Ukraine to a level comparable to the cost of the commodity in Europe.

Russia's ambassador to Ukraine, Viktor Chernomyrdin, said that Russians are, in some cases, paying more for Russian natural gas than Ukrainians, Novosti said Friday.

"I believe the price will increase anyway. At what pace, all at once, gradually or the way it should be -- is a separate issue. By the way it should be, I mean in line with the standards that already exist in the world," Chernomyrdin said

Also, Russia insists on cash payments for its gas transit through the territory of Ukraine.