Leaders of the countries of the former Soviet Union seem to be motivated by their “infantile resentments” when criticizing Russia these days. Compared to the conditions of today’s “windward sailing,” those countries felt much more secure under the auspices of the Soviet Union. Criticisms coming from the West are mostly based on the longstanding tradition of confrontation coupled with the fears of “competition,” which was put in motion by the West itself.
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However, the common sense prevails in the end. Sensible actors in both the neighboring countries and overseas tend to see Russia as a reliable partner worth doing business with.
Russia is well-known for its vast natural resources. However, Russia does not resort to robbery in broad daylight nor it is inclined to pinch pennies. Last year’s pricing disputes over gas supplies caused quite a commotion in the relations between Russia and Ukraine, and Russia and Belarus. A more peaceful approach is used nowadays when it comes to resolving energy rows.
According to Alexander Surikov, a Russian ambassador to Belarus, a final price of Russian gas supplies to Belarus will be set as early as this December. Russia will be charging Belarus about $125 per one thousand cubic meters of natural gas. Russia is currently charging the EU countries $236 per one thousand cubic meters of natural gas. Gas prices for Ukraine, which has recently decided to repay its $2 billion debt for Russian gas supplies, are likely to be in the neighborhood of $150.
In 2007, both Ukraine and Belarus received natural gas from Russia at even more reduced prices i.e. $130 and $100 per one thousand cubic meters. However, Russia has to raise the price of its gas exports following an increase in price of Turkmen gas supplies for Russia. Other trends of the world market contributed to the situation. On the other hand, Russia does not aim to put too much strain on its customers by hiking the price. The price is being increased at a very slow pace. Russia has always shown respect for other countries of the former Soviet Union. No doubt about it, Russia will treat its neighbors in a similar fashion following the rise of global wheat prices. The world market trend has apparently affected Belarus too. Several days ago the Belarusian Ministry of Trade suggested that the government cut the export of butter and cheese following disruptions in the supply of dairy products to the domestic market.
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