(ANSA) - TRIESTE - Europe's gas supplies this winter are at "high risk", said the Russian Energy Minister, Alexander Novak. Kiev could illegally subtract part of the Russian gas directed to Europe via Ukrainian pipelines in view of the cold season, said Novak quoted by Itar-Tass agency on the sidelines of a meeting with the EU Commissioner for Energy, Gunther Oettinger. Meanwhile, a report by the United Nations revealed that nearly 2,600 people were killed in the conflict in eastern Ukraine since last April. At least 2,593 people were killed between mid-April and August 27, according to the report.

Meanwhile, the tensions remain high between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow continuing to deny the deployment of its troops on Ukrainian territory. "Despite Moscow's denials, it is clear that Russian troops have crossed the Ukrainian border and are operating inside the country", said the NATO Secretary after the Alliance's urgent meeting on Ukraine. Russia is accused by the West of supporting the separatists and sending over 1000 of its soldiers to Ukraine, according to NATO.

Kiev announced Thursday that "Russian troops" have taken control of a strategic border town of Novoazovsk (11,000 inhabitants), 100 km south of the rebel stronghold of Donetsk. After the Russian incursions east of the country, Ukraine has relaunched its process of accession to NATO. "The government has submitted a bill to the Parliament to get back on the road to accession to NATO," said the premier Arseni Iatseniuk.

Meanwhile, the 'crusade' of the Russian authorities against McDonald's continues. Four more fast-food restaurants were closed in Krasnodar in southern Russia, bringing to 12 the number of outlets of the American multinational "temporarily" closed due to "sanitary issues". Analysts believe that this is a response to Western sanctions for the Ukrainian crisis. (ANSA)