emerged at a meeting of G20 finance chiefs this week that a deal in which Moscow eases its stance might be in the works. sidelines. for gas and said it awaits $2.2 billion in unpaid bills. Ukraine if payments don't start coming, but between the now-standard lines he signalled some room for maneuver. "We do not want to escalate tensions with Ukraine. journalists when asked about the gas dispute. "But it requires a decision of the Ukrainian authorities, support of the European Union colleagues. down and discuss this issue. States were bearing fruit. U.S. international efforts to ensure a free flow of energy and trade. territory. Their bosses, President Vladimir Putin and Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Friday signalled a need for a common approach. supplies.