KIEV, Jan. 31 - Russian Ambassador to Ukraine Viktor Chernomyrdin believes that Ukraine cannot be independent from Russia in terms of gas issues, the Ukrainian Pravda Internet newspaper has reported.

When asked if it is possible for Ukraine to become independent from Russia in gas issues, Chernomyrdin answered: "No. The gas produced in Russia is the only source that covers the needs not only of Russia and the former Soviet republics, but of the whole Europe, and we are currently moving to Asia."