The Russian Ukraine is all about the gas

[bigdarryl]

This could escalate into something we might not get out of so easy if we are not careful.All the rightwing's bellicose talking tough isn't doing us no favors . And Obama made the mistake of talking tough that consequences will happen if Russia invades Ukraine.Will Putin called his bluff now what Mr.President. Read this article and you will see why Russia has a economic interest in Ukraine. http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4876832/

[reformist2]

1. And why the EU/US have just as big an interest.

[TwilightGardener]

2. That's not "talking tough". Other countries, and especially the United States as

a superpower and NATO member, have a duty to speak up against one country invading another, and find a way to stop that behavior. No President should or would stay silent.

[dipsydoodle]

3. Sort of.

Yes the Nord Stream pipeline is a joint venture but the gas which feeds it isn't and the control of the supply lies with Gazprom. Poland remains pissed of with the very existence of Nord Stream which they fought against.

Sud stream will bypass Ukraine to feed southern Europe : Ukraine's actual loss will be transit fees.

Part of the EU's main interest in Ukraine is related to Ukraine's gas reserve tanks. Use would allow the EU to buy gas at lower prices in the summer and use the reserves in the winter. I don't where the tanks are - west or east Ukraine.

The current situation with regard to the price Ukraine pays for gas is that Gazrom are close to restoring the price the pre the recent agreement with Ukraine's deposed President and moe importantly in future making Ukraine pay in advance for gas - Ukraine currently owes c. $2 billion for 2013 supplies and I believe some from prior years too because the usual figure quoted is a debt of over $3 billion.

If the country were to divide then expect to see a dual pricing structure.