Russian energy firm Gazprom has given Ukraine an extra week to pay for gas supplies in advance or risk being cut off.
The announcement comes after Ukraine made a part payment of $786 million (£469m) for gas received in February and March. Gazprom had previously warned it would cut supplies to Ukraine if it received no advance payment.
Alexey Miller, Gazprom’s Chief Executive said: “We welcome Ukraine starting to pay back its debt and postpone the prepayment regime until 9 June.”
Negotiations between the two sides are expected to resume following the payment although reports claim Ukraine has refused to settle the full amount of $3.5 billion (£2bn) in protest against Gazprom’s recent price rise.
The energy giant is now said to charge Ukraine $485.50 (£290) per 1,000 cubic metres, against the previous price of $268 (£160).