Russia and Ukraine again face New Year gas showdown

MOSCOW (AFP)

A source close to the talks refused to rule out a repeat of a scenario similar to the 2005-2006 gas row where Russia cut off supplies to Ukraine, triggering a supply crisis in Europe

“Everything can happen,” the source, who asked not to be named, told AFP.

The significance of the looming standoff is not lost on Ukraine, whose economy has been battered by the economic crisis and whose currency has lost half its value in six months.