Ukraine's Naftogaz denies theft of European gas

KIEV, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Ukraine's state-run gas company, Naftogaz on Friday denied a claim by Russia's Gazprom (GAZP.MM) that it had been stealing gas destined for Europe.

"Naftogaz considers that any statement from official representatives of Gazprom about the unsanctioned siphoning off by Ukraine of Russian gas destined for Europe is untrue," Naftogaz said in a statement.

The company also said such statements "damage the reputation of Naftogaz as a reliable transporter of energy to European Union countries." (Reporting by Sabina Zawadzki, writing by Guy Faulconbridge, editing by Conor Sweeney)