The natural gas spigot could be closed for Ukraine as early as Tuesday unless it pays for more deliveries in advance, Russia’s energy minister said Friday. Russian energy company Gazprom confirmed it received $15 million from its Ukrainian counterpart, Naftogaz, which ensures gas deliveries until Tuesday . “They can also pay for Tuesday – it depends on them now,” Energy Minister Alexander Novak said. “If they want gas, they have to pay.” Gazprom in the winters of 2006, 2009 and 2014 cut gas deliveries through Ukraine briefly in response to contractual disputes with Kiev. That left downstream consumers in Europe short on natural gas supplies. The latest payment row coincides with ongoing skirmishes between pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine and government […]