There seems to be a tectonic change in Kiev - just yesterday, talks between Gazprom and Naftogas "were not scheduled" but Naftogas chairman was ready to be in Moscow on 8th. All of a sudden, there has been a midnight meeting between them in Moscow - yes, on 8th. And right now they are in Brussels, hammering things out with EU mediation.
The whole Ukrainian politics of autumn and early winter could be considered as a positioning for this very moment. Ukraine knew that it's going to refuse any increase in price, and this spat was going to happen. What mattered was - who would be at the negotiating table at the moment?
Looks like Tymoshenko won. One less player to consider, the end game could be closer.
All of a sudden, there has been a midnight meeting between them in Moscow - yes, on 8th. And right now they are in Brussels
Yes. I was about to post this, (my bold):
The Associated Press: Gazprom's CEO holds talks with Naftogaz's Dubina
MOSCOW (AP) -- The heads of the Russian and Ukrainian gas companies have held an unexpected meeting in Moscow to discuss the dispute that has caused an energy crisis in Europe.Both companies confirmed they met early Thursday but released no details. It was the first face-to-face meeting between Gazprom's Alexei Miller and Naftogaz's Oleh Dubina since talks over prices broke down New Year's Eve.The meeting was unexpected because both men are due in Brussels Thursday to meet with EU officials.
MOSCOW (AP) -- The heads of the Russian and Ukrainian gas companies have held an unexpected meeting in Moscow to discuss the dispute that has caused an energy crisis in Europe.
Both companies confirmed they met early Thursday but released no details. It was the first face-to-face meeting between Gazprom's Alexei Miller and Naftogaz's Oleh Dubina since talks over prices broke down New Year's Eve.
The meeting was unexpected because both men are due in Brussels Thursday to meet with EU officials.
