Talks fail to resolve Ukraine-Russia gas dispute

The energy ministers of Ukraine and Russian on Wednesday failed to resolve a politically charged dispute over Russia's plans to raise the price of &to=http://english.pravda.ru/main/18/88/354/16666_Ukraine.html' target=_blank>natural gas exports to Ukraine.

The two officials left late-evening negotiations in Moscow without a deal, but talks were to resume Thursday, Ukrainian Energy Minister Ivan Plachkov said.

Russia is threatening to cut off supplies within days unless Ukraine accepts its demands to pay more than four times the current price for gas imports.

"We agreed to break until tomorrow," Plachkov said in footage shown on NTV television, adding that compromises in the nations' positions are essential.

"Of course" compromises are possible, Plachkov said in response to a reporter's question. "There is no way to do without movement and compromises."