Russia-Ukraine gas dispute unnerves markets
- 10 years ago
It's hard to believe this is only six months ago.
Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, ousted President Yanukovich, sign a deal which knocks a third off the price Ukraine pays Russia for gas supplies.
That was then. Now, the latest casualty of the Ukrainian crisis is its cheap energy.
Russia's state gas exporter Gazprom announced Ukraine won't get any more gas unless it pays up front.
And then briefed Russian prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev.
SOUNDBITE (Russian) RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER, DMITRY MEDVEDEV, SAYING:
"They were offered super preferential conditions, even when compared with the gas cooperation during the previous presidential term. However, they haven't agreed to these conditions and have artificially created a gas crisis. That's a pity. And it smells of blackmail, as you said."
The ultimatum follows the breakdown of an EU-brokered attempt to secure a new deal.
Russia wanted to return prices to full 2009 levels - but off
Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, ousted President Yanukovich, sign a deal which knocks a third off the price Ukraine pays Russia for gas supplies.
That was then. Now, the latest casualty of the Ukrainian crisis is its cheap energy.
Russia's state gas exporter Gazprom announced Ukraine won't get any more gas unless it pays up front.
And then briefed Russian prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev.
SOUNDBITE (Russian) RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER, DMITRY MEDVEDEV, SAYING:
"They were offered super preferential conditions, even when compared with the gas cooperation during the previous presidential term. However, they haven't agreed to these conditions and have artificially created a gas crisis. That's a pity. And it smells of blackmail, as you said."
The ultimatum follows the breakdown of an EU-brokered attempt to secure a new deal.
Russia wanted to return prices to full 2009 levels - but off