Russia's Gazprom on Thursday started supplying gas directly to the rebel-controlled area of east Ukraine after pro-Moscow separatist leaders said Kiev had cut supplies, the company's chief said.
"According to the current sale-and-purchase contract between Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogaz, from 1600 (1300 GMT) on February 19, Gazprom is supplying gas to Ukraine including through the Prokhorovka and Platovo gas metering stations to an amount of 12 million cubic metres per 24 hours," said Alexei Miller, quoted by RIA Novosti news agency.
Prokhorovka is on the border of Russia and the rebel-controlled Lugansk region, while Platovo is on the border of Russia and the Donetsk region.