LONDON, Jan 5 - An unnamed Russian group is close to buying control of one of Ukraine's largest steel groups, Industrial Union of Donbass, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.

The newspaper said the company could be sold this month in a deal valuing it at up to $2 billion. It quoted two creditors familiar with the situation as saying they were told by the group's shareholders the acquisition would close this month.

The FT said potential buyers included the mining magnate Alisher Usmanov and the metals group Evraz (HK1q.L), which have both previously expressed an interest.

The newspaper said the Russian group would take a 50 percent plus one share stake. It said this could prove unpopular with some in Ukraine who are wary of too much interference or involvement with Moscow. (Reporting by Kate Holton; editing by Carol Bishopric)
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