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Gas conflict divides EU, Ukraine

BRUSSELS, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Ukrainian leaders say their country's relationship with the European Union has cooled because of the conflict with Russia over natural gas.

Russia recently cut off gas supplies to Europe through pipelines that cross Ukraine. While supplies began flowing again after a few days, the shutdown precipitated an energy crisis in many countries.

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During a price dispute with Ukraine, Russia claimed the country had been siphoning off gas destined for the west.

"We are afraid the EU could become a weapon of political pressure on Ukraine in the hands of Russia," Ukraine Deputy Foreign Minister Konstantin Yesileyev told the EU Observer. "As a result of this conflict the EU may yet take measures to make Ukraine seem guilty."

EU foreign ministers are scheduled to discuss the gas conflict during a meeting Monday in Brussels. Czechoslovakia, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, wants to bring Ukraine closer to the European Union, but other members appear to be balking.

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