Tensions are tight
in Ukraine as both sides of the conflict, the Ukraine and the Russian
separatists, pull their heavy weaponry from the front lines as part
of the most recent peace agreement and plan to have a 50 kilometer
buffer-zone in between the two forces free of heavy weapons. While
both sides have steadily been pulling troops and artillery from the
buffer-zone both sides seem weary of the agreement, both stating that
while they have pulled most of their heavy weapons they are not far
from the area in case the other decides to make a move. Although some
firing has been heard from the area and despite the Ukraine and
Russia arguing over natural gas supply the agreement seems to be
holding up.
Gas can be a
powerful weapon when utilized properly, a warning has emerged from
Russia's energy minister, Alexander Novak, stating that the Russian
energy giant, Gazprom, might soon cut its natural gas supply from
neighboring countries, including Ukraine. This is not the first tome
that Gazprom or Russia for that matter has cut the Ukraine off from
gas, the European Union is currently investigating Gazprom for using
their dominant position to manipulate prices and obstruct the flow of
gas across the continent. A meeting is to occur between the European
Union, Russia, and the Ukraine on Monday to discuss this gas issue
but until then Ukraine may be forced to either rely on their own
reserves or receive some aide from Europe.
Many Europeans have
kept their eyes on the situation in Ukraine for the better part of a
year now unsure of what will happen next. The group OSCE has an
agenda to monitor Ukraine to ensure that both sides keep to their
agreements, however it has been a slow process. As of now there are
451 monitors in Ukraine, the bulk of which are placed in Donetsk and
Luhansk. OSCE claims this is not enough and plans to invest in drones
and other technological resources to help monitor the area in hopes
to finally settle tensions between Ukraine and the Russian
Separatists.
William A. Bullard
8:28 P.M.
February 28th 2015
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/27/europe/ukraine-conflict/index.html
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