Russia, Ukraine sign new gas deal

Russia and Ukraine have signed a new version of an agreement, brokered by the Czech EU presidency, which should restore Russian gas supplies to Europe. Russian PM Vladimir Putin said on Monday that the gas flow to Europe would resume as soon as the document is signed by the European Commission and international observers begin monitoring gas transit through the Ukrainian territory. The new agreement came after Russia withdrew from the previous deal, signed on Sunday, on the grounds that Ukraine had attached an appendix to the document which Russia found unacceptable. Czech Trade and Industry Minister Martin Říman, speaking on behalf of the Czech EU presidency, said that any further conditions set by Moscow would suggest Russia’s lack of interest in solving the issue.