I don?t see where Russia in the foreseeable future can pile up these resources. Russia is saying it has markets. In a way, it?s a form of pressure on Europe.
The signing of this contract means that less gas will be left for Ukraine -- for their direct purchases. In this gas dispute, Russia gets another instrument of pressure over Ukraine.
Russia wants to make energy security its key message to the G8 community, and simultaneously it is becoming a source of danger, intentionally or unintentionally.
In a way, it's the same story. The goal is to put Russia in a better bargaining position.
The point is that Russia is too dependent on the European market, both in terms of oil and natural gas exports.
The forecast annual growth rate over the next 10 years of just over 1 percent reflects the chronic underinvestment that plagues the Russian oil sector because of persistent regulatory uncertainties and growing state interference,