Bump
In my opinion Putin with this move is doing Ukraine a favour making Russian-Ukrainian relations more down to earth and not based on some "brotherly nations" BS of USSR era. In truth Ukrainians and Russians never been brothers. Ukraine has been tool of Russia since Chmielnicki's times. Independent Ukraine is notion not known in the course of Russian history. No wonder when it eventually turned up it brings constant frictions. But present situation is even more complex because it touches the very concept of being a Ukrainian based on demographic/cultural/language differences. I see some similiarities between the situation in Ukraine and the situation in pre-war Poland where cultural differences and minority puzzle contributed greatly to state's fragility. Now Ukraine is kept captive because of large Russian minority living there. Nationalism in West Ukraine where beats the county's heart is very fervent so market prices for gas would be something people there could handle for the price od sovereignity. But the same wouldn't happen in russified East. But all in all what can Russia do? Declare a war? Baltic pipeline is in the mist and Poland, second transit country supports Ukrainian Oranges wholeheartedly to balance Russian influence in the region. The awkward manner in which Putin's administration deals with the issue will bring plenty political benefits only to the Oranges. And the gap between East and West will deepen. Whether you want it or not it is historic border between Europe and Russian Eurasia. To sum up - now it has been become evident that post-USSR area has yet to decide whether they want to be independent states, act together and search for energetic alternatives to Russian economic pressure. Since Russian interest to influence smaller neighbours, and by these means fight for space within the sphere of European values and culture is and always be a fact.