Showdown At Red Square?

Prime Minister Yurii Yekhanurov left this morning with several members of the Cabinet for talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov. Concorde Capital: Russia has been pouring on the heat in the battle with Ukraine over gas prices. In the span of two weeks Russia has upped its offer from USD 160 per 1000 cubic meters to USD 230 and threatened to stop supplies of gas to Ukraine if a deal is not reached before the new year. President Yushchenko spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week and said he thinks an agreement will be reached this month. Ukraine is willing to pay higher prices for gas but wants these increases implemented gradually. Russia has said it is only willing to compromise on the price if Ukraine gives it some control of its gas pipelines.