Russia blames Ukraine politicians for oil row

Russia's pipeline monopoly on Monday blamed Ukrainian politicians for setting new "unacceptable" terms for oil transit via the port of Yuzhny, saying it will cut supplies if no quick deal was reached.                                           

Transneft president Nikolai Tokarev told Reuters that Ukraine had asked Russia to pay more for transit and raised additional conditions concerning minimal volume guarantees.                                           

"We cannot and are not accepting tough terms. The (negotiation) process is continuing and I hope we will solve it before the New Year. But if they insist on their terms, we will also review the prospects of supplies," he said.                                          

Asked about the cause of the dispute, Tokarev said: "These are purely political issues there (in Ukraine)".