Ukraine says a rebate offer by Russia in an energy row between the two countries is “a trap”.

Officials from Kyiv and Moscow held talks in Brussels earlier over a Russian decision last year to scrap gas discounts for Ukraine.

Ukrainian Energy Minister Yuri Prodan told euronews: “Yes, this is a mechanism which can be used or not used. Today we can sign an agreement on the rebate but tomorrow it could be cancelled by the government of Russia.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Ukraine there would be consequences if it rebuffed the offer.

“Our proposals are more than partnership proposals. they are aimed at supporting the Ukrainian economy at rather difficult times, to help them, but if our offers are rejected then our relations will go into a completely different stage,” he said in televised remarks.

Russia doubled the price Ukraine pays for gas on April 1st to $485 per 1,000 cubic metres after the ousting of Moscow-leaning former president Viktor Vanukovych

Its latest offer is $385 per 1,000 cubic metres.