Gazprom says ready to restart gas talks any time

BERLIN (Reuters) - Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom is ready to restart negotiations with Ukraine on gas deliveries any time, the company's deputy Chief Executive Alexander Medvedev said on Wednesday.

"Unfortunately, the situation is continuing to deteriorate. Yesterday night, Ukraine completely shut down all export pipelines to Europe via Ukraine," he said.

Given the cold weather, problems could arise for the supply system if gas was not flowing, he said.

Russia switched off gas supplies intended for Ukraine's domestic use on January 1 after failing to resolve a dispute over how much Kiev should pay for its gas.

(Reporting by Dave Graham; Writing by Kerstin Gehmlich)