[The KG9 Kid]

Ukraine wants membership in the EU, which Russia opposes.

Ukraine provides gas transport from Russia to the EU, so Russia cuts off the supply to show the EU where their gas comes from.

The EU will probably squash Ukraine's bid to join the EU in order to keep the gas flowing.

Do I get this right?

[spanalot]

Heres the full Story - Russia is reneging on a contract that has set prices for Ukraine until 2009 - why is,nt this being reported?

---

Mirror Weekly interviewed PM Yekhanurov.

Excerpts

Now the main thing. Will there be gas in Ukraine since January 1, 2006?

- I believe that the contract will be carried out and the gas will be supplied. But… we will still be conducting nervous negotiations.

- You mean the gas will be supplied despite the unfinished bargaining?

- As a matter of fact there is a contract between Naftogas of Ukraine and Gasprom of Russia on volume and conditions of transit of Russian natural gas through the territory of Ukraine for the period between 2003 and 2013. It is currently in effect. I cannot imagine how a public company bound by contract obligations can refuse to fulfill them. I asked the deputy head of Gasprom, Oleksandr Riazanov, during our negotiations in Moscow on December 19 in the presence of the head of the Russian Cabinet Mikhail Fradkov: “Is the contract effective?” And he said: “Yes.”

- Then why do the Russians say that they will stop contract supplies of gas to Ukraine on January 1, 2006?

- One can always find a reason to make a statement. But in article 14 of this contract it is clearly stated that: “This contract comes in effect on January 1, 2003… It remains effective until 10 am on January 1, 2014.” And one more thing: “During the period between 2005 and 2009 the Customer (Gasprom) will sell annually natural gas at the price of 50 US dollars for 1000 cubic meters, which is not subject to change by the parties, from the gas transportation services of Russian natural gas through the territory of Ukraine to ensure the gas balance of Ukraine.”

[lowbuck]

"EU governments are convening a meeting of their gas industry experts in Brussels on 4 January to discuss the crisis."

And they will talk and talk and, you guessed it, talk.

Another rational government might conclude that they should choose their friends with care (conversely, be very careful who you trash to score points with the other Eurowiennes).

Very cold here in Munich tonight. Damn JWB and his global warming!!

[dennisw]

Vlad Putin allies himself with Islamic scum such as Iran's Ayatollahs. He wants Russia to become a superpower when it comes to energy supplies, same as the Arabs. So Vlad plays hardball. 

The golden rule is:
He who has the gold oil makes the rules.

[hershey]

Sounds logical to me.

[montag813]

Ukraine provides gas transport from Russia to the EU, so Russia cuts off the supply to show the EU where their gas comes from.

Perhaps Ukraine should cut it off permanently.