The possibility of a new gas war between Russia and Ukraine inched closer on Tuesday, as the Russian state energy giant Gazprom complained that Kiev had outstanding debts of over half a billion pounds and demanded swift payment. Gazproms concern comes a month before Ukraine is due to sign up for closer ties with the European Union, a deal that has infuriated the Kremlin. The complaint brought back memories of crises in 2006 and 2009 in which Russia turned off the gas to Ukraine, leaving many European nations that rely on pipelines passing through the country without energy in the middle of winter. Russia wants Ukraine to join its own Customs Union of former Soviet states, and has repeatedly sent dire warnings that by signing the deal with Europe, Ukraine will lose billions of dollars and face myriad problems. One Kremlin economic adviser even predicted that if the deal is signed political and social unrest will ensue and Russia could cease to recognise Ukraines status as a sovereign state. --x-- Russia has repeatedly warned Ukraine that the consequences of aligning with Europe will be painful, but despite Moscows harsh rhetoric, it seems the Kremlin is resigned to seeing Ukraine slip out of its orbit. The focus now is on proving to Kiev what a terrible mistake it has made. To say we are dreaming of having Ukraine in the Customs Union, especially with the behavioural patterns of the current Ukrainian leadership, is not quite true, said Zharikhin, insisting the EU deal will prove far more damaging to Ukraine itself than to Russia. They are very unreliable partners.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 22:42:46 +0000