It seems as if Ukraine and Russia have found themselves in an “undeclared war.” Seven Ukrainian soldiers were killed and another eight wounded in a recent skirmish between Ukraine troops and a group of rebels. Apparently a mob of more than 30 ambushed a Ukrainian convoy just outside the city of Kramatorsk. The attack was carried out by pro-Russian militants, though Russia denies any involvement in any of the militias that have taken form.
“Russia is already engaged in supporting Russian-led protesters and terrorists,” said Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. And though Russia has definitely had involvement in the situation brewing in that region, it has become bigger than just that. The now governing power in Donetsk claimed that 90 percent of their population voted to secede from Ukraine on May 11. Both the U.S. and European Union did not recognize the move. The rebels of Donetsk don’t care what the worlds superpowers recognized however, and have recently united with the rebels in Luhansk. They have announced that if the Ukrainian Military does not retreat than they will have to respond with “anti-terrorist operation.” They seek to join Russia as the gas deadline looms.
Russian gas-export monopoly OAO Gazprom has begun to put restriction on its exportation to Ukraine. They have told the country that they must prepay for their gas by June 2. Gazprom has also told Ukraine that it will only get the gas it has paid for and will offer no line of credit. Ukraine already owes Gazprom €3.5 billion for gas as far back as 2013 and current up to this past April. If they let the deadline past they will be taking the risk of being cut off. The E.U. has just released a stimulus package to Ukraine and they are hoping that the €3.2 billion package will help. As much as 15 percent of the E.U.’s oil comes through the same pipes that Ukraine depends on, so a cut off would directly affect them all.
Photo: Screenshot/PressTV
Comment Template