The Natural Gas Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine

Author(s): Heiko Pleines
Editor(s): Jeronim Perovic, Robert Orttung, Matthias Neumann, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 41
Pages: 8-11
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2008

Ukraine depends to a large degree on Russian energy deliveries. At the same time, it is the most important transit country for Russian energy exports. The mutual dependency has created a stalemate situation and difficulties in the relations between the two countries. Compared to previous years, however, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia over the gas trade has relaxed noticeably, despite some dramatic interludes that remain. While 2006 saw a suspension of deliveries, a drastic deterioration of foreign policy relations, and a trade conflict, an agreement was reached in 2008 - albeit at the last moment - that was welcomed by all sides. The core problems remain unresolved, however.

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