A straightforward case of a nation acting in it's own self interest - and any other logic or consistency be damned.  The key issue here is not to get annoyed with the UK - it is only doing what all nations do - the key thing is to ensure that it pays a fair Price for what it is looking for from the EU.  Putin plays this game very well as well, and knows the score.

The meta-problem is that the EU has been giving its services and strategic advantages on the cheap - and getting nothing but abuse in return.  Why doesn't Sarkozy - in his capacity as President of the EU Council and interlocutor with Russia give a speech giving the UK some home truths about what is required from Britain - e.g. fair play for French energy utilities - thus nicely serving French interests as well?

Just wait for the wails of EU bullying.  The EU is not a club where everyone gets everything they want on the cheap - a message which could also, usefully, be directed at Ireland.  The wails are the sound of chickens coming home to roost...

Vote McCain for war without gain