Brussels, 04/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - Over the next few days, the European Commission will send a team of senior officials to Moscow and Kiev on a fact-finding mission with regard to a new “gas crisis” that could develop between Russia and Ukraine and have serious consequences on EU energy supply. On Thursday 4 June, a Commission spokesperson affirmed that on the basis of the facts gathered, as well as consultations with the European gas industry, President Barroso will then report to the European Council on 18-19 June. Last week, Mr Barroso promised the Russian prime minister, Vladimir Putin, to raise the question of Ukraine's difficulties in paying Russia for its gas, at the European summit, as well as explore the possibility of the EU helping Ukraine pay for its gas. If this is not forthcoming, Mr Putin informed Mr Barroso in a telephone conversation that there is a danger of another cut in gas supplies from Russia (EUROPE 9911). (H.B./transl.rh)