Ukraine Resists the 'Belarusian Model' of Dealing With Russia

Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov said Aug. 16 that it would be "unacceptable" for Ukraine to make an energy deal similar to the recent agreement between Belarus and Russia. Azarov's comments follow a statement from Gazprom's CEO encouraging Ukraine to follow the "Belarusian model" in striking a natural gas agreement with Russia. Ukraine is trying to sustain a balance, economically and politically, between the West and Russia. Increasing political and economic tensions are making this more difficult, however, and Kiev could find it harder to resist Russia's requests.