Yushchenko disappointed in Medvedev

KIEV, Ukraine, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- A decision by Moscow to delay sending its new envoy to Kiev in part due to lingering natural gas issues is "very" disappointing, said the Ukrainian president.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had selected Mikhail Zurabov, a former health minister, as his new envoy to Kiev. In a message to Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, Medvedev said he would hold back on sending Zurabov to Kiev over claims the government was pursuing anti-Russian measures.

Medvedev said a series of moves by Kiev, from military aid to anti-Russian rebels in South Ossetia to lingering gas disputes, were cause for his "deep concern" about the state of bilateral affairs.

He blamed Kiev for "bypassing Russia" in a series of decisions related to ongoing disputes over natural gas debts and shipments, as well as sanctioning deals with foreign partners "that completely contradicts" agreements reached between the two countries in January.

Russian energy monopoly Gazprom cut gas shipments to Ukraine briefly in January following disputes over gas debts and contracts. A measure settling that dispute obligates Ukraine to strict payment deadlines and shipment volumes.

Yushchenko, in a response to the move, said he was very disappointed in the statements from Medvedev, saying the message was "unfriendly," RIA Novosti reports.

"To be frank, I am very disappointed by the unfriendly nature (of the message)," Yushchenko said. "I agree that relations between our countries face major problems, but I find it strange that you totally rule out any responsibility for them on Russia's side."