Ukrainian gas officials, meanwhile, admitted some in their country are compensating by siphoning gas from Russian pipelines leading to other parts of Europe.
The gas cut, the latest in a long-running dispute over fuel prices between Moscow and Kiev, is an embarrassment to Kuchma, who is trying to persuade Yeltsin to visit Kiev for a summit.
Kuchma, speaking to reporters in Kiev for the first time since returning from a state visit to the United States, said he had spoken with President Boris Yeltsin by telephone and was assured of Yeltsin's "understanding."
Kuchma said Friday that Russia cut gas to Ukraine from 120,000 million cubic meters to 60,000 million cubic meters a day following Kiev's failure to sign a pre-arranged agreement.
Ukraine owes Russia about $1.8 billion for gas. Russia has often cut fuel supplies for non-payment.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.