Is Russia Trying to Provoke a War?

[abs]

Why is Russia stopping all shipments of natural gas through the Ukraine and thereby causing massive shortages throughout much of Europe? In the midst of a freezing winter, for Russia to do this is very, very strange. Thoughts?

Andrew

[John]

Dear Andrew,

Why is Russia stopping all shipments of natural gas through the Ukraine and thereby causing massive shortages throughout much of Europe? In the midst of a freezing winter, for Russia to do this is very, very strange. Thoughts?

This is an extreme power play by Putin, but it's nowhere near an act of war.
Bulgaria may be freezing, but they won't attack Russia, attempting to
turn on the gas spigot. On the other hand, it appeals strongly to Russian
nationalism, and "proves" to the Russian people that Putin is their hero.

John

[browner55]

This Russian Professor is a celebrity thanks to his prediction of the end of the USA by 2010.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123051100709638419.html

[protagonist]

Pfft

The Europe that has the power, i.e NATO, is not heavily reliant on Russia for its energy supplies.

The UK gets something like 5% of its gas from Russia.

Just another dispute, move on. Nothing more to see here.