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Russia cuts gas supply to Ukraine, Europe at risk
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| Lepanto |
| quote: | By Christian Lowe
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia cut gas supplies to Ukraine on Sunday in a dispute that could hit deliveries to a wintry Europe just as Moscow takes over as chairman of the Group of Eight wanting to showcase its role as a reliable energy source.
The Russian state monopoly Gazprom said it had cut supplies to Ukraine by a quarter -- the level of Ukraine's own imports -- after Kiev refused to sign a new contract requiring it to pay four times as much.
In the first sign that the switch-off was having an effect farther west, Hungary's gas wholesaler MOL said the pipeline pressure of its Russian supply had fallen 5 percent.
Western Europe imports 25 percent of its gas from Russia and most of that is delivered by pipelines running across Ukraine. The European Union said it did not expect shortages but was concerned by the standoff.
Ukraine's Naftogaz energy company accused Russia of playing a game of brinkmanship that jeopardized Europe's gas supplies.
"Naftogaz declares such actions unacceptable because they endanger gas deliveries to Europe," it said.
GAS WEAPON
Though Russia says it is purely a business dispute, the row has fed concern that the Kremlin is prepared to use its vast energy resources as a political weapon.
Ukraine's Western-leaning president, Viktor Yushchenko, has irked Moscow by trying to take his ex-Soviet state on Russia's western border into NATO and the European Union.
Ukrainian officials say that is why the Kremlin is punishing Ukraine with such a huge price increase while letting more Moscow-friendly ex-Soviet states such as Belarus pay far less.
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| Purple |
Its funny, these Ukrainians always got subsidised gas from Russia all this long and they got used to it.
Russia is not asking for any high price as such, they just asking them to pay the current market price.
Whats Ukraine expects Russia to do, they will keep bitching about Russia and look towards west, and still thinks Russian will give them free gas?
Their are no free lunches. Either respect Russia for what its doing for you, or pay for you get free from them. |
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| Lepanto |
You've not much experience in the politics of the region do you? Nor have you even bothered reading the whole article.
| quote: | | Ukrainian officials say that is why the Kremlin is punishing Ukraine with such a huge price increase while letting more Moscow-friendly ex-Soviet states such as Belarus pay far less. |
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| Purple |
| quote: | Originally posted by Lepanto
Nor have you even bothered reading the whole article. |
Havent you turned to sencond page of the article?
Ukraine agrees in principle with the price raise.
| quote: | | Moscow wants to raise the price of gas it sells to Ukraine to $230 per 1,000 cubic meters from the current $50 -- a level that reflects Soviet-era subsidized rates. Ukraine agrees in principle but wants a transitional period. |
Belarus dosent bitch about Russia after using their subsidized gas. |
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| Lepanto |
Unlike you I've read the whole 3 pages of the article. Not too mention the fact that you just skimmed through it and probably didn't understand half the English used. Secondly, Ukraine said that it should be a transition period and not having Russia boss them around saying either you pay this NOW or we'll cut of your gas. And it's funny how this never happened while Kutchma, Putin's bitch, was in power, yet when a Western leader takes the reigns we have a problem.
And what the are you talking about Belarus? LMAO. Why would they "bitch" if they are getting low end prices, again? :haha: |
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| Purple |
| quote: | Originally posted by Lepanto
Unlike you I've read the whole 3 pages of the article. Not too mention the fact that you just skimmed through it and probably didn't understand half the English used. |
In my computer its only 2 pages, maybe you have access to special 3rd page.
| quote: | Originally posted by Lepanto
Secondly, Ukraine said that it should be a transition period and not having Russia boss them around saying either you pay this NOW or we'll cut of your gas. |
Infact Putin did offered them 3 month transition period.
Plus this is not sudden, Ukrain saw this coming long before but they always behaved laxed and thought Russia will never do it.
| quote: | Originally posted by Lepanto
And it's funny how this never happened while Kutchma, Putin's bitch, was in power, yet when a Western leader takes the reigns we have a problem. |
Yes because Kutchma never bitched about Putin while enjoying free gas Puting gave to him.
| quote: | Originally posted by Lepanto
And what the are you talking about Belarus? LMAO. Why would they "bitch" if they are getting low end prices, again? :haha: |
Why did Ukraine bitch all this long when they also get subsidised gas all this long. |
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| Lepanto |
| What on Earth are you attempting to say?!?! |
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| Aquadyne |
Why should Yuschenko expect to continue to pay almost 5 times less the market value for natural gas while he continues to thumb his nose at Putin and the Kremlin?
After all, it is the fair market price for it. If Yuschenko and whatever is left of the Orange Revolution in his party don't like it then either get back in line bitch and toe the line like Belarus or be ready to suffer the consequence for ousting men who supported the Kremlin and then turning to the West.
Purple is right, there is no free lunch.
Lepanto - you are dead wrong.
Now when Ukraine starts charging the Russian Black fleet exorbitant prices for leasing them bases in Crimea in retaliation for the gas price hike - will you be here complaining how Ukraine is giving Russia a screwjob? |
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| metalgearsolid |
| YaY!! Long live mother Russia! |
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| 3xx3r7 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Lepanto
You've not much experience in the politics of the region do you? Nor have you even bothered reading the whole article. |
I meet both criteria and he is right. The government of my home country got used to all the benefits they get from Russia. You are the one who is not experienced in Ukrainian politics. If you were you would know that there is an incredible hatred toward Russians throughout Ukraine. When Yuschenko came to power with his pro-western anti-Russian platform, this hatred was boosted even more. With this kind of douchetitude from Ukraine, Yuschenko and Co. should be grateful that Russia sells them gas period.
Also, backing your argument with what Ukrainian officials say definitely does not make it more credible. Even if you tried to use that statement as proof of you argument, Belarus does not hate upon Russia. As they say, you don't cut the hand that feeds you. |
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| 3xx3r7 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Aquadyne
Now when Ukraine starts charging the Russian Black fleet exorbitant prices for leasing them bases in Crimea in retaliation for the gas price hike - will you be here complaining how Ukraine is giving Russia a screwjob? |
That's already in the works. |
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| 3xx3r7 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Lepanto
What on Earth are you attempting to say?!?! |
That's the best counter-argument ever, oh wise one. |
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