That stunt Putin pulled when he turned of the gas sent a shock round the world.==
He did it to compel Ukraine to pay the market price. Why Russia should subcidize Ukraine?
"He did it to compel Ukraine to pay the market price. Why Russia should subcidize Ukraine?"
BS - Ukraine had a contract to buy from Russia at $20 and it was good for another 2 years, except the Ukrainians refused to vote for Putin's lackey.
Ukraine also had a contract to buy gas from Turkmanistan where Russia gets its gas - also for $25.
That's when Putie shut off the valve.
He may have been right about the goal, but the means showed that he is a cold-hearted, autocratic, irresponsible despot. That is all. You may not like hearing that, but everyone in Europe was in jeopardy and they saw I, as did I. Why do you think he pulled back so quick? He got a call from every leader in the G8, and then some telling him that.