Moscow - In the latest frictions between Moscow and Kiev over gas deliveries, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned Ukraine to be punctual with its payments or face another possible cuto-off.

According to the Interfax agency, Putin said that if Ukraine did not make its payments for February by this Saturday, there would be a cut-off.

This in turn could have consequences for consumers in Europe, the Russian government leader warned.

Moscow - At least six persons, including one policeman, were killed in a bomb blast in the Caucasus republic of Ingushetia on Thursday, the Interfax agency reported.

Moscow  - Warning about the danger of further instability in Sudan, Russia on Wednesday reacted with scepticism to the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

The ICC decision could further destabilize the situation in Sudan, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman warned, according to the Itar- Tass agency.

Mikhail Margelov, foreign policy spokesman for the Federation Council of Russia, commented that al-Bashir "must without a doubt answer for the crimes" in the Darfur.

Washington  - US President Barack Obama said Tuesday preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon would diminish the need for the United States to base a missile-defence system in Eastern Europe.

Obama commented on the planned deployment after The New York Times reported that he sent a secret letter to Russian President Dmitri Medvedev conveying his position. But Obama downplayed suggestions that he would give up the system in return for a stronger commitment from Russia in confronting Iran.

Moscow - Russia has permitted the first convoy of supplies for US troops in Afghanistan to cross its territory, according to Interfax news agency on Tuesday.

The non-military supplies crossed Russia by train, arriving at the border with Kazakhstan on Tuesday, according to diplomatic sources cited by Interfax.

That initial delivery was seen as the start of establishing the trust for further such supplies, the source said.

US and NATO supply lines transporting equipment to Afghanistan have become the frequent target of Taliban attacks as they pass through Pakistan, forcing the need for alternative routes.

Moscow - Mikhail Khodorkovski, former head of the disbanded Yukos oil company and once reputedly the richest man in Russia, was in court Tuesday to face fresh charges of mishandling company funds.

Elaborate security was in place at the Moscow court for the appearance of the 46-year-old, an outspoken critic and political opponent of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Khodorkovski, who has been imprisoned for more than five years, and his former business partner Platon Lebedev face charges of embezzling some 25 billion dollars.