Ukraine tests new diplomatic row with Russia over Black Sea Fleet

Skybird · 08-16-08, 03:39 AM

The timing is telltaling. The Black Sea fleet has been an issue of constant conflict since the Ukraine became independent. The arrangement how to divide the fleet and share facilities always has been a fragile compromise.

since the Ukraine depends on gas from russia, and Russia already in the past has demonstrated its willingness to use shortcuts of energy as a diplomatic weapon, I consider it to be stupoid to provoke the russiansat this time, in this manner, right in the middle of a running conflict. The Ukraine has nothing to win in this, but quite some to lose. Russia - is almost invulnerable in this row. If they make minor concessions here - then only to keep the currently high-flying balls a bit lower. I am sure that Ukraine will feel their revenge in the next heating period.

AntEater · 08-16-08, 03:48 AM

Problem is, contrary to what most media reports, the russians would have every right to increase gas prices.
Ukraine still pays far below world market levels, a leftover from USSR days.
Now if Ukraine wants to be part of the west, why not charge it the same price?

An example, if lets say Columbia gets something very cheap from the US because Columbia is a US ally, and suddenly would embrace Chavez and ally itself with him, would the US not increase prices?

August · 08-16-08, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AntEater

An example, if lets say Columbia gets something very cheap from the US because Columbia is a US ally, and suddenly would embrace Chavez and ally itself with him, would the US not increase prices?

Very rarely are prices for anything set by the US government. To increase them in your scenario Washington would have to get the civilian companies involved to voluntarily agree to it, and not only to the Colombians directly, but to anyone that might resell the item to the Colombians as well.

Skybird · 08-17-08, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AntEater

Problem is, contrary to what most media reports, the russians would have every right to increase gas prices.
Ukraine still pays far below world market levels, a leftover from USSR days.

That is correct, I should have mentioned that detail.

08-16-08, 03:39 AM	#1
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,637 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	The timing is telltaling. The Black Sea fleet has been an issue of constant conflict since the Ukraine became independent. The arrangement how to divide the fleet and share facilities always has been a fragile compromise. since the Ukraine depends on gas from russia, and Russia already in the past has demonstrated its willingness to use shortcuts of energy as a diplomatic weapon, I consider it to be stupoid to provoke the russiansat this time, in this manner, right in the middle of a running conflict. The Ukraine has nothing to win in this, but quite some to lose. Russia - is almost invulnerable in this row. If they make minor concessions here - then only to keep the currently high-flying balls a bit lower. I am sure that Ukraine will feel their revenge in the next heating period. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

08-16-08, 03:48 AM	#2
AntEater Grey Wolf Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Germany Posts: 936 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Problem is, contrary to what most media reports, the russians would have every right to increase gas prices. Ukraine still pays far below world market levels, a leftover from USSR days. Now if Ukraine wants to be part of the west, why not charge it the same price? An example, if lets say Columbia gets something very cheap from the US because Columbia is a US ally, and suddenly would embrace Chavez and ally itself with him, would the US not increase prices? __________________