Moscow- Russian gas monopoly Gazprom is facing a shortfall of about 1.1 billion dollars in lost exports to Europe as a result of its gas dispute with Ukraine, President Dmitry Medvedev said Wednesday.

"Since January 1, Gazprom has not collected 1.1 billion dollars in export payments under contracts for gas deliveries to Europe," Medvedev said in talks with Gazprom chief Alexei Miller, reported news agency Interfax.

"Our country cannot afford to lose such stakes ... This money should be recovered from those responsible, those who are to blame for this situation," Medvedev said in a dig against his Ukrainian counterparts.

Each side blames the other for disruptions in European supplies. Both have brought their cases before European courts.

Medvedev ordered Miller "to take all necessary steps for the prompt renewal of transits" via Ukraine, but held firm to Russia's hard line that Kiev should pay market prices for gas in 2009.

"There won't be any gifts from us, but transit should be renewed under conditions acceptable to us," he added.

Three days earlier, Prime Minister Vlaidmir Putin announced that Gazprom had lost 800 million dollars since the beginning of the crisis.

Russia cut gas deliveries to Ukraine when talks for a new contract for 2009 failed on January 1.

But, accusing Ukraine of stealing gas intended for Europe, Russia halted all supplies via Ukraine on Wednesday, causing drastic gas shortages in Europe as temperature there fell below zero. (dpa)