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Ryan Chilcote: The Russian-Ukrainian gas war ended in a handshake, but was really nothing more than capitulation. While gracefully allowing Ukraine to save face, Russia got the higher price it wanted, and sent a message to the rest of the globe: It's an energy world power to reckon with.
"If from the competition as a global superpower in the military race and economic race, Russia lost, ur~over the last few decades. Um, but if you look in terms of energy, Russia can win. Russia has the resources and the world needs those resources, so..."
Ryan Chilcote: When Moscow wanted to quadruple the price Ukraine paid for Russia's natural gas, Ukraine said: no. Then Russia cut off Ukraine's supply, but continued to pump gas through Ukraine to the rest of Europe. Even so, countries like Austria, France, Germany, Slovakia and Hungary already shivering through the coldest winter in years, experienced a dramatic drop in supply.
Ryan Chilcote: On the first of January, Russia assumed a new role as the Chair of the G8, a club of the world's most prosperous democracies. Right at the top of its agenda: energy.
Ryan Chilcote: Russia is the world's largest energy producer. Its state-controlled gas company, Gazprom, has been grabbing up shares in foreign gas companies, laying pipes and making plans to deliver more of its natural wealth to the rest of the world, all the while projecting an image as a reliable energy supplier and an alternative to the chaotic Middle East.
Ryan Chilcote: But after 30 years of flawless performance, the two days of disruptions that accompanied the Russian-Ukrainian gas war have Western Europeans wondering.
Alexander Kantarovich (Aton Capital): Clearly, this prompts questions about how reliable Russia is as a supplier.
Ryan Chilcote: And the gas dispute raises concerns Russia will use its energy as a carrot, so it'll get cheap to its friends, or a stick for countries like Ukraine that broke out of Russia's sphere of influence to pursue a Western-tilting foreign policy.
"A lot of political commentators are looking at this situation and accusing Russia of using its energy as a political weapon."
"No, it s, it s, it s not the case, and, um, if we..."
Ryan Chilcote: Gazprom insists it s just business.
Masha Lipman (Carnegie Center, Moscow): Russia is not the first country to be using its energy riches as a political tool. The question is what do you achieve, and then whether you care about consequences and your reputation. If you act as a bully, you probably will be treated as a bully."
Ryan Chilcote: Whatever its role, bully or not, Russia's back as a global energy superpower.
Ryan Chilcote: Ryan Chilcote, CNN, Moscow.
Note------------
reckon with: someone or something that is powerful and must be regarded seriously as a possible opponent, competitor, danger etc
all the while: all the time that something is happening
carrot and stick: a way of trying to persuade someone to do something by offering them something good if they do it, and a punishment if they do not
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