Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin raised the stakes in his gas conflict with Ukraine by slashing supplies to Europe, a measure that has left some EU states struggling to heat homes in sub-zero temperatures. What was Putin seeking to achieve by acting in this way? It’s clear to everybody that it is not a commercial dispute. Russia doesn't care what would be the price ($200, 250, 300 or even 450) because this time it has very clear and ambitious political goals: 1. To bring down the government of “orange” President Victor Yushchenko and Yulya Tymoshenko. This is a political revenge for Ukraine's Orange Revolution, Ukraine's plans to join NATO, its support for Georgia during the ... [ Read more ]