PRESS-DIGEST - Ukraine - Dec 19

KIEV, Dec 19 (Reuters) - The following are the leading stories in Ukrainian newspapers on Friday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HOLOS UKRAINY

- Every day a new record low for the hryvnia currerncy.

- The dollar rate crosses the "psychological" barrier of 10 hryvnias.

URYADOVIY KURIER

- Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko says there are no economic or financial reasons for such an abrupt fall in the hryvnia, says it is due to mass speculation.

- The central bank strengthens its control over the currency market.

KOMMERSANT Ukraina

- The head of the central bank is threatened with dismissal.

- Russian gas giant Gazprom says prices for Europe will not exceed $300 per 1,000 cubic metres.

DELO

- Authorities take measures to boost the hryvnia.

- State energy company Naftogaz has paid off some debts for Russian gas.