Putin kills two birds with one stone.
1) Put on a dog and pony show that Russia isn't using energy to thug Europe after what Cheney said and the G8 summit coming up.
2) Push Belarus to join mother Russia.
"1) Put on a dog and pony show that Russia isn't using energy to thug Europe after what Cheney said and the G8 summit coming up."
Actually this move will cause more criticism and instability in the gas prices since Belarus has been selling most of what it got from Russia (on the cheap) to Europe.
2. That's the stated and already ratified and signed goal of the Russian Federation/Republic of Belarus Council. The Russians are trying to get past Lukashenko's balking since Russia is footing the bill and getting nothing in return.
Plus, that's exactly what the Russians have stated is their main reason for the actions (And their stated goal of selling gas to all at market prices). So, no surprises really.