Russia stepped up its efforts to woo Ukraine today. In a surprise overture, Prime Minister Putin suggested that the two countries “merge Gazprom and Naftogaz of Ukraine.” If this deal eventually goes through, it will create one of the largest gas holdings in the world.
In January 2009, these companies were at the center of a price dispute in which Russia shut off gas supplies for two days. Around 80% of Russia’s gas destined for Europe travels through Ukraine.
Putin's newest proposition comes just days after a deal to extend the Russian navy’s lease on the Crimean port of Sevastopol. As compensation, Russia agreed to give Kiev a 30% discount on its gas. Ukraine’s opposition reacted by pelting the speaker of the Rada with eggs and setting off smoke bombs in the parliament building. Many people from the western part of the country fear creeping Russification and the loss of sovereignty.
Russia’s press has remained quiet about the upheaval in Ukraine. Several outlets did not even cover it. Others dismissed the event as a stunt and drew attention to the corruption charges that are pending against former Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko.
According to Freedom House, the Russian government owns or directly controls 80% of Russia's media. Gazprom, in particular, has a huge stake in many newspapers and TV stations. When a story does not appear in print, you can assume that they had something to do with it.
In January 2009, these companies were at the center of a price dispute in which Russia shut off gas supplies for two days. Around 80% of Russia’s gas destined for Europe travels through Ukraine.
Putin's newest proposition comes just days after a deal to extend the Russian navy’s lease on the Crimean port of Sevastopol. As compensation, Russia agreed to give Kiev a 30% discount on its gas. Ukraine’s opposition reacted by pelting the speaker of the Rada with eggs and setting off smoke bombs in the parliament building. Many people from the western part of the country fear creeping Russification and the loss of sovereignty.
Russia’s press has remained quiet about the upheaval in Ukraine. Several outlets did not even cover it. Others dismissed the event as a stunt and drew attention to the corruption charges that are pending against former Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko.
According to Freedom House, the Russian government owns or directly controls 80% of Russia's media. Gazprom, in particular, has a huge stake in many newspapers and TV stations. When a story does not appear in print, you can assume that they had something to do with it.
