The Kremlin expects with the help of Gazprom to force Ukraine to join the Customs Union

The Russian side will use Naftogaz's account for $ 7 billion for the shortage of gas in 2012 as an additional lever of influence on Ukraine when it is drawn into the Customs Union. This opinion was expressed by the acting director of the energy programs of the Razumkov Center Vladimir Omelchenko in his comments for the publication of Tizhena.ua.

The issue of this account of Gazprom “apparently caused by the Kremlin irritation by the position of Ukraine in the Customs Union, this was also a response to the signing of the agreement with Shell on the development of gas deposits in the Donetsk and Kharkov regions.”

“I think that the Kremlin is looking for all the most possible levers that can somehow affect the position of Ukraine and somehow speed up its entry into the Customs Union. Because this is a strategic goal, and everything else is subordinated to this, ”Omelchenko noted.

The expert believes that the Kremlin will take an increasingly tough position in relation to Ukraine, "hoping that Ukraine will not withstand this pressure, and the financial situation in Ukraine worsens every month."

“Ukraine becomes more vulnerable from Russian pressure. Now gas problems are added. Therefore, I think that the Kremlin expects to squeeze the Ukrainian side. Will he succeed? It already depends on how the Ukrainian authorities show himself, ”Omelchenko said.

“Rather, it will simply be used as an additional lever of influence and somehow kuluarno to influence the position of the Ukrainian side,” the expert said.

Recall that NAC Naftogaz Ukraine received from Gazprom an account of $ 7 billion for the shortage of contracted gas volumes in 2012.

Sources in Naftogaz called Gazprom’s requirement an element of pressure during the negotiations on GTS and gas prices and said that NAC did not plan to pay an account.