Europe's Energy Crisis Continues

Russian Pime Minister Vladimir Putin (left) listens to Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller outside Moscow. Russia's natural gas supplies bound for a freezing Europe were halted on Tuesday only a few hours after starting again as an EU-brokered accord between Russia and transit state Ukraine broke down. (AFP/Alexander Nemenov)

Russia Reopens Gas Pipes But Little Fuel Flows
-- Yahoo News/Reuters

SUDZHA, Russia (Reuters) – Russia started pumping gas destined for Europe through Ukraine on Tuesday for the first time in nearly a week, but the European Union said little or no gas was flowing to countries suffering urgent energy shortages.

Russia's state-controlled gas monopoly, Gazprom, accused Ukraine of siphoning off the gas for its own use. Ukraine blamed a lack of coordination for hampering the flow.

Moscow and Kiev are locked in a contract dispute which has left European countries struggling for gas supplies with winter temperatures below freezing. Their relations deteriorated when Ukraine elected pro-Western leaders in 2004.

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More News On Europe's Energy Crisis

Europe gas halted as Russia-Ukraine deal falters -- Yahoo News/AFP
Russia-Ukraine Gas Deal Appears to Founder -- New York Times
Ukraine: Russia demands impossible gas route -- Yahoo News/AP

My Comment: I never thought that an agreement between Russia and the Ukraine would be easy ..... too much bad history and animosity between them would get in the way. Sigh .... it looks like this is going to take a long time, and/or Europe must now step in and guarantee that they would pay for the natural gas that goes directly to the Ukraine.

If this continues for the next few week or two, the Ukrainians are going to be successful in shaking down Europe for money.