Intermediaries and the Ukrainian Domestic Dimension of the Gas Conflict

Author(s): Margarita Balmaceda
Editor(s): Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 53
Pages: 9-12
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2009

On January 1, 2009, Russia suspended gas supplies to Ukraine, while continuing transit supplies to Europe. On January 7, all supplies to or through Ukraine were suspended. Complex negotiations brokered by the EU followed, leading to a monitoring mechanism intended to assure transit shipments would reach the EU despite the Russian-Ukrainian dispute. By January 19, despite the agreement, gas still failed to flow. This article looks into the causes of the January 2009 gas trade conflict between Ukraine and Russia and especially considers the role of intermediaries as well as Ukraine's complicated domestic situation.

Download:

English (PDF)