UPDATE 2-Ukraine asks Russia to change gas price formula

* Ukraine asks to change price formula, no details given

* But says will avoid any energy rows with Russia

* Total gas imports much lower than initially contracted

(Releads with new Naftogaz statement, adds quote)

By Pavel Polityk

KIEV, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Ukraine has asked Russia's giant gas monopoly Gazprom (GAZP.MM) to amend the formula by which it calculates the price of gas, Ukrainian state energy firm Naftogaz said on Friday.

Naftogaz announced the proposal just days after Gazprom relaxed contract obligations for Ukraine, allowing it to buy far less gas next year as its crippled economy needs less energy.

Rows between Kiev and Moscow over gas volumes, prices and debts have led to supply cuts to Europe, which gets a fifth of its gas from Russia via Ukraine.