Russia and Ukraine trade blame over blocked gas exports

By Tom Bergin and Chris Baldwin

LONDON (Reuters) - Russia and Ukraine on Tuesday accused each other of blocking gas exports to European neighbours as their clash over pricing intensified.

Russian gas supplies via Ukraine stopped to a series of countries from Turkey to France on Tuesday as sub-zero temperatures increased demand for winter fuel.

Deputy Chief Executive Alexander Medvedev of Russian gas giant Gazprom told journalists in London Ukraine had blocked export routes.

"We became hostage to the irresponsible behaviour of the transit country ... The situation is very serious," he said, adding that Russia had a good record as a supplier.

"We have a lot to be proud of. Forty years of reliable supply in very difficult times," he said.

The CEO of Ukraine's state run energy company Naftogaz, Oleh Dubyna denied the accusations.

"All these statements about Ukraine cutting gas to Europe are simply untrue. Statements about us not accepting Russian gas and not carrying out transit are also untrue," he told journalists in Kiev.

"So statements by Mr. Medvedev that we have closed pipelines to Europe are wrong as are statements about Ukraine stealing gas. That is simply untrue. Ukraine is fulfilling all its obligations ... Ukraine is ready to supply all gas to Europe if Russia increases supplies."