Good Move

The Czech ambassador to Russia made statements today signaling that the EU will begin looking to diversify its gas providers after the most recent dispute between Russia and Ukraine.  He also said the two nations risk losing the EU's confidence in Russia and Ukraine as political and economic partners.  

The ambassador cited the proposed Nabucco pipeline as an alternative -- a $7- to $8-billion dollar project that would bring Central Asian oil to Europe, circumventing Russia.  The project is slated to begin in 2010, though it faces some major challenges and depends on the acceptance of Turkmenistan, an uncertain partner.  

Second Attempt

Russian and Ukrainian officials have agreed to meet for talks over the ongoing gas dispute between the two nations. The meetings will be held on Saturday in Moscow, but some express grave pessimism over the outcome

"(An agreement) is practically impossible," says Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.  "The conditions laid by one and the other side are so contrasting that this simply cannot work."

Gas Spat Continues

The European Commission is warning of legal action towards Russian state-owned Gazprom and Ukrainian Naftogaz if the two do not move quickly towards a solution in their dispute over gas shipments.

Both sides seem to be waiting for the other to admit defeat, says a BBC correspondent.

Just When You Thought it Was Over

Just when it looked as if the dispute between Russia and Ukraine over European gas shipments was solved, Russia claims that Ukraine is not sending the resumed gas flow westward into Europe.  Ukraine called on Russia to stop "blackmailing" them.  

The latest is a symptom of the lack of trust between the two countries, says one BBC reporter.  

EU monitors in Russia said the gas flow released was "very limited."

Free Speech in Jeopardy

Tensions are surfacing between the Russian embassy in Tajikistan and Tajik media outlets, says a report on EurasiaNet.org.  

As many as one million Tajik migrant laborers work in Russia, and Tajikistan is heavily dependent on their remittances.  In December, two such workers were murdered in the Moscow region, sparking Tajik media criticism of Russia's lack of upholding migrant rights in the face of growing nationalism and xenophobic violence.  Making matters worse, Putin and Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov sought to limit the number of work permits for migrants shortly thereafter.  

Then, on December 24, the Russian embassy sent a letter to Tajik officials demanding that such critics and journalists be "muzzled," accusing them of deliberately distorting facts and insulting top Russian officials.  The actions only intensified media criticism.  

The two sides continue condemning one another.   

Eastern Gas

The NY Times reports that a deal has been struck to resume gas supplies between Russia and Europe via Ukraine and to send European monitors to the area today. 

Russia says, barring any future obstacles, the pipes will open tomorrow morning.  Still, the agreement does not address the demand by Russia that Ukraine begin paying higher prices for gas close to market value.  

Russia has been selling the gas to the Ukraine at a discount to help that country develop, but now says Ukraine has reached a level of development that requires it pay near-market-value prices. Ukraine maintains this would bankrupt the country's fragile economy.

Hug It Out

Gazprom officials are meeting with diplomats in Brussels right now in an effort to hug it out over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine gas dispute -- one of those rare gas disputes that cannot be blamed on the dog.  Russia's conflict with Ukraine over a gas pipeline has caused the loss of heating gas to much of Europe, leaving plenty in the cold.  

Gazprom says they want EU monitors in Ukraine to watch the pipes and ensure Ukraine is not stealing gas en route to Europe.  The EU says they'll do it if both Ukraine and Russia agree to restore the flow of gas to Europe.  

The German paper Deutsche Welle points out that, while cold Europeans are the immediate concern, of a longer-term concern is the reputation of Russia as a reliable provider of gas for Europe (a very similar dispute disrupted flows in 2006).  With Ukraine vying for a spot in NATO, and Russia trying to deny them that spot, Europeans may be better off seeking gas elsewhere.  (Turkmenistan?)     

Who Passed Gas?

Gas shortages continue throughout Europe stemming from the Russia-Ukraine dispute, this in the middle of winter, while Russia and the Ukraine continue to bicker like two sorority sisters fighting over the only blow dryer in the house. Aside from disputes over prices and claimed thefts, Ukraine says Russia is trying to weaken the Ukrainian government as it seeks NATO membership and closer ties to the West, while Russia claims Ukraine is trying to curry anti-Russia fervor in the West. (Washington Post.)

Obviously, East and Central Europe have been crippled the most, with some industries shutting down completely, but shortages are felt all over.

Just to recap, The EU gets 25% of its gas from Russia, and 80% of that via Ukraine.

Mild winters and previous scuffles have prepared much of Europe with a two week surplus stockpile, which should help until matters are resolved. Times Online says that throughout Europe, blame has fallen on both parties.

Also telling is that some countries are turning to Iran for increased supply.

Gas Problems

Russia and Ukraine are at it again. Russia cut off the flow of gas to the Ukraine on New Years Day, citing a $1.6 Billion bill. Russia is accusing Ukraine of stealing 25 million cubic meters of gas, disturbing its flow to European markets. Ukraine, in turn, says the shortage came from Russia's "technical manipulations."

European nations have been hesitant to get involved. While Europe gets a quarter of its gas supply from Russia -- Ukraine being the primary route -- they say they have enough reserves to cope with any interruptions for the time being.