Ukraine looks to EU but seeks cheaper Russian gas

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KIEV, Ukraine (AP) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov says his country could stop importing Russian natural gas in years to come if Moscow does not lower the price.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this week that a price cut would be possible _ if Ukraine doesn't sign up to a political association agreement with the European Union next month.

Suggesting that Ukraine will go ahead with the EU deal, Azarov said in an interview with RIA Novosti and Russian television Thursday that Ukraine will seek alternative energy resources and could stop purchasing Russian natural gas altogether over several years if the price isn't cut.

The signing of the EU deal hinges on the release of jailed former premier Yulia Tymoshenko, which Ukraine has so far resisted.