[B4Ranch]

Let me see if I have this right . . .

Ukraine buys almost all its energy (natural gas)from Russia. Revenues from natural gas sales are a primary source of income for Russia.

Because of the recent disagreement between Ukraine and Russia, Russia is raising the price of natural gas it sells to The Ukraine.

The Ukraine is almost broke and can’t afford the increase in the natural gas price because it would be forced into bankruptcy.

President Obama (The USA) just announced the United States is giving The Ukraine, $1 billion to assist in paying for the higher priced natural gas it buys from Russia.

So, the United States is actually giving Russia $1 billion because the money is just passing through The Ukraine.

The first question: Has Vladimir Putin figured out a way to raise the price of his natural gas sales and make the U.S. pay for the increase?

Next question: Was he really in the KGB or was he a commodities trader ?

If this analysis is accurate, Vladimir Putin just got Barack Obama (the USA) to pay him $1 billion by holding a press conference and trucking some troops across town from the Russian Navy base in Ukraine.

Who is the Smartest guy in the room now ?

Oh Yes… Remember -

“I’ll have more flexibility after I am reelected.”

[RoosterRedux]

Pipelines (not all but some major ones) to Europe for natural gas run through Ukraine. If Ukraine shuts off its pipeline, Europe will be in desperate straights. And so will Russia. Lookie...

[Sacajaweau]

Russia is not raising the price, just getting rid of the discount that the Ukraine has been getting.

The Ukraine is up to their ears in debt.

The Ukrainians have not done well by their independence. And now they're going to mooch off us.

[RoosterRedux]

BTW, Ukraine was broke because Yanukovych had stolen perhaps $70 billion. But the Swiss banks have since frozen those accounts..and Ukraine is waiting for the return of such.

Russia--Putin--is playing a very cute game. But thx to Europe (not little Barry), he will lose.