Posted on 01/01/2006 11:42:57 AM PST by HAL9000
MOSCOW. Jan 1 (Interfax) - Ukraine is reportedly siphoning off Russian gas intended for European consumers, Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov said at a press briefing at the company's main office.Kupriyanov said verified information on this score is likely to be released at a press briefing at noon, Monday.
"We'll be able to announce tomorrow exactly how much gas has been stolen today. Right now I'll announce latest reports on Gazprom's balance at Ukraine's western borders, at the exits from the Ukrainian gas pipeline system: minus 18% at the Kapushany gas-metering unit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; plus 13% at Isakcha, minus 68% at Tekovo, minus 19% at Beregovo and minus 18% at Drozdovichi," said Kupriyanov.
"A drop in nearly all directions, except one, only suggests that Ukraine is siphoning off gas intended for and purchased by European consumers," the Gazprom official said.
"While conducting talks with Ukraine, we were well aware that Ukraine is the main transit country for Gazprom. We export nearly 80% of our gas through Ukraine. Ukraine is unmistakably trying to manipulate this to gain easy terms. In fact we've been blackmailed all this time by the issue of security of gas shipments to Europe in a bid to gain easy terms of gas exports for domestic consumption," he said.
Ultimately, said Kupriyanov, Ukraine has not signed the contracts, while statements made today to the effect that Ukraine on December 31 accepted the terms proposed by Gazprom are untrue. In actual fact we were only offered to sign a contract for the first quarter, laying down easy terms, and to see what will happens next later, the Gazprom spokesman said.
"Here are the documents handed over to us on December 31 - six pages, all of them dealing with the first quarter. Concerning the rest, they say that this supplement will remain valid until April 1," said Kupriyanov.
uh oh, if the ukrain does not pay, do tanks roll in to collect
Dat's what I was thinking too....
This story just keeps escalating. Now what did the state of Russia expect to have happen to gas lines in another country. Are they expecting Europe to invade the Ukraine to get that gas?
not good..
Commander: Ukrainian Military Partially Operational
14 July 2005 -- Ukraine's top military commander said today that the country's 250,000-strong army is only partially operational due to obsolete equipment and lack of funds.
General Serhiy Kirychenko, the chief of staff of Ukraine's military, said that "the army has only a limited capability to defend the state."
Kirychenko said that the problem mainly affects "complex and expensive air force weapon systems and counter-electronic systems."
Ukraine inherited vast quantities of weapons, ammunition, and military infrastructure after the Soviet collapse in 1991. However, most of it is now in disrepair because of the Ukrainian military's lack of funds.
Last year, then Defense Minister Evhen Marchuk warned that the army had purchased no new armored vehicles, warplanes, or helicopters since it declared independence in 1991.
If they do roll some tanks they better make sure they bring enough water with them this time. Last time they "rolled" somewhere they had to get some water from the Brits. Back when they "rolled" into the airport in Pristina I think.
"Western nations were alarmed when the Russians moved into the Pristina airport, though not afraid of the small force of 200. Within two weeks the British were providing food and water for the isolated contingent."
More here: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/mt/mt-comments.cgi?entry_id=2010
Yes I remember that little incursion, at least General Wesley Clarke is not still in command.
Thanks for the link.
i had no idea about that
so they are of the type hurry up and wait with no supplies
Ukraine is only taking what Gazprom committed to - I dont know why this is not being reported by the MSM.
“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.”
jb6, you'd probably be interested in this.
It's strange how the Ukrainians havent outright refuted the allegations. Does this mean no more gas for Ukraine? If they've been siphoning off gas, maybe Russia will embargo them.
Ukraine is only taking what Gazprom committed to - I dont know why this is not being reported by the MSM.
“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.”==
It is lie by ommision.
They don't have to. Only European gas is going into the pipe so if Ukraine is siphoning off that means the EU shivers and believe you me, the EU will not tolerate another hit to their economy.
Yushchenko is ruining his relations with the EU, which leaves only Soros as his supporter. He already ruined his relationship with the US by giving us the finger in Iraq. Not playing his cards well.
Half of Ukraine (east, south and Crimea) wouldn't lift a finger against the Russians. Yushchenko has been a fool since he got into office and has been busy burning his bridges, even the ones he's still standing on.
Problem is, that rent is part of a broader border treaty where Russia gave up claims on Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine. (Crimea was tranferred to Ukraine from Russia by the Soviet (Ukrainian by birth) Premier Krushchov).
jb6,
Your buddy Putie is reneging on a contract with Ukraine today and tomorrow it will be the rest of the west.
Natural Gas, Nerve Gas - its all the same to the Kremlin.
“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.”==
"Ukraine also needs Russian coal for its industries in the Donets Basin and around Dneiper River. Ukrainian coal mines started to deplete in 1973."
Sounds like Kremmlin propaganda - Ukraines coal reserves are estimated at 400 years at current usage. And no - the east can not secede.
http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:NhZgJivA9UMJ:www.epa.gov/cmop/intl/ukraine.html+%22coal+production%22+ukraine&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
The Russians are raising gas prices on everyone, in order to take the money, and to threaten them politically.
Ukraine should simply raise the pipeline transit charges to make up the difference.
I keep telling you: never, never, never trust the Russians. They are proving themselves again. They need about 300 years to catch up with normal European standards, and if they start moving up, they will pass the French on their way down.
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