Russian President Vladimir Putin, has again warned Ukraine that Moscow will not wait forever for Kiev to settle its gas debts. In an interview broadcast on Russian state television, Putin said he did not want to undermine Ukraine¡¯s economy. But he urged Ukraine¡¯s European partners to help with the country¡¯s finances.

"If they don't make the current payment, we agreed we will turn back to the original formula of determining the price. Keeping in mind the accumulated debt of 2.2 billion dollars, we could do this today. But we don't want to undermine the Ukrainian economy or raise doubts about the transit supplies to Europe. That's why we call on all European countries to join us in supporting Ukraine. We want to work out measures aimed at financing its budget," Putin said.

On Thursday, Putin made a similar warning, saying the ongoing payment dispute with Ukraine could result in a disruption to Europe's gas supply. Speaking at an annual televised question-and-answer session in Moscow, Putin said Russia would give Ukraine a month to pay off its debts. But he warned, Russia¡¯s gas giant Gazprom will then switch to a more complicated pre-payment scheme. The European Commission responded to Putin's comments by agreeing to gas-security talks with Russia. They also urged Moscow not to cut off supplies to Ukraine. US Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel, said America would send additional help to Ukraine.