Tweaking Russia

Here is another item that could cause some tension at the G-8 summit later this summer in St. Petersburg. From Regnum:

The USA will support Ukraine’s decision to revise gas agreements with Russia, USA Ambassador to Kiev John Herbst. In an interview to Den newspaper the American diplomat announced that if the Ukrainian government decides that they should revise gas agreements, it will have US support. As Herbst said, from the beginning of the year, the USA had not hesitated to point out “some problems” concerning the issue. Answering the question what the American assistance could be, Herbst said he did not think it was appropriate to speak about it at the moment. Herbst said the key issue was that Ukraine should make up its mind by itself. As the diplomat stressed he was not sure that a fresh view of the agreements would increase tension in comparison to what the implementation of the agreements may bring about. He reminded that there were still a lot of rumors concerning the prices that would come into force since June 1. It is only one of a few questions concerning the agreements that remain open.

This goes back to the beginning of the year, when Russia turned off the gas to Ukraine over pricing disagreements. That matter was settled in a somewhat murky deal, but nonetheless, Russia sent a very clear message it was willing to use its natural gas as an instrument of foreign policy.

Not for nothing did Vice President Cheney say in Vilnius May 4:

Other actions by the Russian government have been counterproductive, and could begin to affect relations with other countries. No legitimate interest is served when oil and gas become tools of intimidation or blackmail, either by supply manipulation or attempts to monopolize transportation.

By siding with Ukraine, the US is making it clear we won't back down from an argument with Russia, and that we won't let Russia hold Europe hostage over natural gas.