ASTRAKHAN, Oct. 31 - Naftogaz Ukrayiny could find it is required to make advance payments for Russian gas as early as December, assuming the accumulated debt for gas remains unpaid, Gazprom Deputy CEO Valery Golubev told journalists.

"They have said they may pay the debt," Golubev said. "They simply won't be able to switch to advance payment. It will be easier for them to find the money. That's my opinion."