KIEV, Aug. 31 – Ukrainian-Russian relations are tense and the price of natural gas could rise to $300 per 1,000 cubic meters if an "Orange team" comes to power, said Communist Party leader Petro Symonenko.

"Several weeks ago, I met with Russian leaders and I can say unambiguously: if the ‘Orange’ madmen come to power, then Ukraine will see an increase in the gas price to $300 per 1,000 cubic meters," he said in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.