Here we go...
Really thought things wouldn't come too such a pass, especially as Russia has as much to lose on this one as Ukraine.
What a spectacularly bad start to Russia's G8 presidency.
Well, the transit fees could also be quadrupled, as a counterproposal. But seriously, they have only 3-4 years to organize the alternatives (coal, coal gasification, nuclear) before the Baltic bypass pipeline goes on stream.
After being such a poor master in the Soviet Union days, Russia now trys to sway opinion by playing hardball with fuel.
Great way to get you neighbors enamored with you, by freezing them to death.
Now you know why Russians are hated worldwide.
If Russia cuts oil support, the pro-Russian Ukrainians would decline its support, with a neverending anti-Russian tide to be planted in the minds of Ukrainians. Blackmail will only make people angry. How stupid the Russians are.
We must remember that the rates the Ukraine pays now are extremely lower than the open market rates. Of course many pipelines pass thru the Ukraine so there is a capitalist solution to this mess....