Yanukovych Heads To Russia For Energy Talks

Yanukovych is also expected to meet Russia President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of an economic summit of the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

This is Yanukovych's first foreign visit as the recently confirmed prime minister. Yanukovych, who enjoys the Kremlin's backing, has signaled that securing affordable Russian gas will be his main concern at this week's talks.

Moscow briefly cut gas supplies to Ukraine in January during a row over prices, disrupting gas deliveries to Europe and raising questions about the reliability of Russian energy supplies.

(compiled from agency reports)