ASSESSMENTS

With Proposed Energy Deal, Russia Gets Its Way

Sep 26, 2014 | 19:18 GMT

A worker inspects pipes and valves at the Dashava natural gas facility in Ukraine on Sept. 18.

(Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Summary

Following energy talks between the European Union, Russia and Ukraine in Berlin on Sept. 26, European Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger presented a proposed "winter package" under which Russia would resume the supply of natural gas to Ukraine. The deal is one of several indicators that Russia is getting what it wants in Ukraine, with the energy agreement designed in large part to ensure that Ukraine becomes neutral rather than pro-Western. Though the deal would guarantee Russian natural gas for Ukraine and the European Union this winter, it does not address long-term disputes between Ukraine and Russia over pricing and debt payments, leaving Ukraine's long-term energy picture unresolved.

The agreement highlights Brussels' desire to avoid energy disruptions this winter....

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