Topic: OAO Gazprom

What Putin wants from China

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing today for a two-day visit, just days after calling for the creation of a 'Eurasian Union' of former soviet states.

Nord Stream pipeline gives Russia edge in European gas wars

Russia's Nord Stream pipeline bypasses Ukraine, which transports about 80 percent of Russian gas exports to Europe, and could give Moscow greater political leverage in dealing with Kiev.

Russia, in swift about-face, recognizes Libyan rebels

The Kremlin opposed NATO's air war and called for negotiations between the rebels and Qaddafi. But its concern about keeping billion-dollar contracts with Libya seems to have caused the switch.

Ukraine struggles to balance lure of Europe, pull of Russia

Russia is dangling billion-dollar benefits if Ukraine joins a Moscow trade alliance, a move that would scuttle Kiev's chance at an EU free-trade deal.

Europe rethinks dependence on Libyan oil

Italy and Spain depend on Libya for as much as 22 percent and 13 percent of total crude consumption, respectively, a supply not easily replaced on short notice.

Russia: sanctions unlikely to delay Iran nuclear power plant

Russia may back tougher, US-sponsored Iran sanctions, but it still expects to finish building the Bushehr nuclear power plant and selling Iran advanced weapons systems.

Why Russia's Dmitry Medvedev is visiting Syria

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is visiting Syria as part of a bid to raise Russia's Mideast profile. He discussed possible atomic energy development, and called on Hamas to release captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

Eggs flying in Parliament, Ukraine approves deal for closer Russia ties

The Ukraine parliament approved a deal today to extend a Russia naval lease on Sevastopol in exchange for cheaper gas, despite an egg-throwing fracas by enraged opposition members.

Europeans' views of Qaddafi clash with Western diplomatic moves

Despite recent deals to lure Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi away from his pariah status, many Europeans still see him as a serial human rights violator and 1970s-style Arab dictator.

In Bulgaria's prime ministerial race, a former wrestler scores a big takedown

Boyko Borisov, the no-nonsense mayor of Sofia, must now grapple with Bulgaria's economic woes and corruption.

The Kremlin takes an African safari

President Dmitry Medvedev and his entourage of 400 hope to rebuild Russia's status – and sign energy deals – during their African tour this week.

World

Raid of Ukraine gas company escalates political war

Prime minister Tymoshenko claims sabotage is behind raid to snatch Russian gas contracts.

World

Gas dispute with Russia boosts European interest in alternative pipeline

The Nabucco pipeline, scheduled to start construction in 2010, would ship gas from the Caspian region and the Middle East.

The Monitor's View: Ukraine needlessly pokes Russia

Kiev is provoking Russia in the gas crisis and other ways. It's a backfire strategy.

Crisis deepens as Russia-Ukraine gas deal unravels

The dispute threatens to paralyze economic relations.

In Russia-Ukraine gas dispute, three issues lacking transparency

World

Crisis deepens as Russia-Ukraine gas deal unravels

The dispute threatens to paralyze economic relations.

Russia, Ukraine near gas deal - but what about next time?

International news roundup

Crisis chills Europe's ties to Russia

A cold, divided, and annoyed Europe struggles to find a way to prevent Russia from turning down the heat. Eastern Europe, meanwhile, continues to shiver.

The Monitor's View: Putin, pipe down on Ukraine

The Russian leader points to Ukraine and the US for his economic woes. He should look in the mirror.