Monitors deployed to Ukraine, Russia

BRUSSELS, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Monitor groups worked Tuesday according to provisions of a gas settlement between Russia and Ukraine, but European customers complained of little change.

Groups from Russian customers ranging from Germany to the Czech Republic, which holds the EU presidency, dispatched to Russian and Ukrainian pipeline intersections to ensure gas was flowing Tuesday.

A dispute over arrears and price mechanisms between Russia and Ukraine disrupted the flow of natural gas to European customers.

The European Union signed an agreement with Russia and Ukraine for the monitors to supervise the resumption of gas shipments from Russia to Europe through Ukraine. Russian energy giant Gazprom, however, complained Ukraine siphoned gas and failed to submit necessary resumption documents, the Financial Times reported.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said the monitors, however, would ensure gas routes were clear from interference.

"As soon as we see the mechanism of control starts working, we will send the gas to the system," he said.

European customers Tuesday complained of gas shortages, though it may take as long as 36 hours to reach full capacity through energy arteries.