Russia only has a moral obligation not to take such a maximalist stance.
You cannot, after subsidizing the Kuchma regime, suddenly pull the plug. The Ukrainian economy will go into freefall, shrinking by five percent per annum. Inflation will leap to 30 percent and unemployment will rocket.
Ukraine has agreed to pay market prices if they are phased in over a five year period, a reasonable proposal and one that merited a sensible counter offer.
But yes, even so, Russia does not have to subsidize Ukraine.
But tell me, what message does this send to the rest of the world: Prices are suddenly hiked for a country that held a democratic election in which a toady of the Kremlin was defeated but are kept at a quarter of the market price for Belarus, ruled by an unpleasant dictator who sucks up to Putin.
Petty, vindictive and hypocritical.
If Russia doesn't want to subsidize Ukraine, then they have no legitimate complaint when Ukraine falls into the sphere of influence of another nation. It's an either/or proposition - either you get the influence or you keep your money.
But yes, even so, Russia does not have to subsidize Ukraine.
But tell me, what message does this send to the rest of the world: Prices are suddenly hiked for a country that held a democratic election in which a toady of the Kremlin was defeated but are kept at a quarter of the market price for Belarus, ruled by an unpleasant dictator who sucks up to Putin.
Petty, vindictive and hypocritical.==
Vindictive? I'd say yes. Hypocritical- no.
The Belorus nation is friends. So Russia wants to help friends.
US budget finances Israel for 3 bln dollars each year. WHY I'd ask? Because israelis are friends and allies of USA on Middle East. I understand it.
But sameway you understand that Russia wants to help friends and allies from Belorus.
Imagine for minute if Israel betrayed USA suddently. To turn back on american interests. What did you do? I know you will punish Israel for that. Vindictively. Will use any
possibility in your disposal. But first of all you will cut the subcidy of 3 blns of dollars.
Same case with Ukraine today. Russia wants to punish her for betrayal. SO first thing she hits her pocket by taking away about 4+ blns of US dollars income of subsidized gas prices.