The Russian government will step in to the shareholder conflict at the country' top nickel producer, Norilsk Nickel, if the existing shareholders fail to resolve the company's management dispute, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Monday.

"I do not care which of the shareholders owns a controlling stake, or in what ratio. What matters is that they solve the company's problems, and (to) those who will not solve them, we will do something," Putin said.

The battle for control of Norilsk Nickel intensified after a June annual shareholders' meeting, when the world's top aluminum producer RusAl got three seats on the board. Interros, the other core shareholder, also got three. Both firms hold a 25 percent stake in Norilsk Nickel.

Norilsk Nickel management, including Andrei Klishas, an Interros senior manager, holds four seats and independent directors hold three.

RusAl has accused Interros of fixing the board election vote, a charge that Interros denies.

AMUR ROAD, Russia, August 30 (RIA Novosti)