Merkel wants end to Russia, Ukraine gas dispute

Berlin - German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Tuesday for a rapid end to the long-running gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine as energy ministers from Moscow and Kiev prepared to hold talks this week.

"Winter is approaching, so time is running out," Merkel said at a conference of German business leaders in Berlin, noting that supplies of gas to Europe pass through Ukraine.

The chancellor said "small successes" had been achieved to end the dispute but a long-lasting solution had yet to be reached.

She said an issue that needs to be resolved "as quickly as possible" is the dispute between Russia and Ukraine over payments for past deliveries and future gas prices.

Moscow cut off gas deliveries to Ukraine in June over its debts.

EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger is to act as meditator in the new round of talks between Ukraine and Russia set for Friday in Berlin.