Russia's Gazprom resumes gas supplies to Ukraine

Moscow (AFP) - Gazprom on Monday resumed gas supplies to Ukraine after receiving prepayment of $234 million from Kiev, assuaging European fears about a new energy crisis ahead of the winter heating season.

The resumption of gas supplies comes as fighting in the east has largely died down, fuelling hopes that the conflict that has claimed more than 8,000 lives can be resolved.

"Gazprom began supplying gas to Ukraine at 10:00 am (0700 GMT) today," Gazprom chief Alexei Miller said in a statement.

Moscow received $234 million of the $500 million expected from Kiev, Miller said, adding that Ukraine had requested the delivery of 114 million cubic meters per day

, the maximum volume of gas that could be delivered by Gazprom. (by Yahoo News)