Facts & Figures Route: Offshore pipeline from Portovaya Bay near Vyborg, Russia to the coast of Germany near Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Constructed by Nord Stream AG Gas capacities: 55 bcm per annum (2 pipelines with 27.5 bcm capacity each) Pipeline length: 1220 km - Nord Stream is one of the longest offshore pipelines in the world Max. water depth: 210 m Project start: 2005 Completion of the first line: According to plan – in... Full Story

While it is no secret that Ukraine is an overly corrupt nation that excels in bribery, the recent attempt to bribe, or some may say blackmail, US officials in order to secure further IMF funding is audacious to ridiculous extremes. In December Ukrainian officials descended on Washington with one overriding mission –to convince the Obama administration that without the financial help of the IMF, Ukraine might be unable to supply the EU with Russian gas this winter. This badly disguised... Full Story

Few countries of the world are suffering quite as severely during this Financial Crisis as Ukraine.  Gripped with corruption of the most extreme level, Ukraine's people are without work, without money and most importantly without food.  Of course, the elite don't have this problem, but the middle and lower classes are scraping to get by while the administration sip champagne while enjoying black caviar in the back of their Maybach's. It is no wonder that once again Ukraine is having... Full Story

Vietnam has just upped the ante (so to speak) in this part of the world. My news sources here in Russia have expressed the confirmation of this data... "Vietnam signed contracts for the purchases of submarines and planes from the Russian side," he said without elaborating after Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport signed an agreement to supply "special material" to the Vietnamese navy. The Inter-fax news agency said that Russia will sell Vietnam six (6) diesel-electric submarines of... Full Story

A Ukrainian deputy prime minister expressed confidence on Tuesday that there would be no new end-of-year dispute with Russia over gas supplies, but conceded that meeting monthly bills was not easy.Remember these words as we approach the end of the year and lets really hope that Ukraine means it.The deal is that Ukraine is in an election for her president time! (Funny how that makes things work better.)I lay the odds that there will not be a problem this year with gas supplies to... Full Story

It is becoming winter and what that means in this part of the world is that Ukraine will start her bull with Gas Delivery issues.So everyone listen and you can almost hear the sound of the gas valve being twisted shut as it grates and squeals as the gas flow is being restricted once again. I have seen 4 winters now and this is the pattern that never ceases to amaze me.It starts with Ukraine making a series of statements about how they will not accept this and that. Then it becomes a series of... Full Story

Moscow, Russia It looks like Ukraine is having trouble paying the Natural Gas bill again.  This time, however, the Russian government is offering to help Ukraine before hand, and also calling upon Western European nations to also help pick up the tab.  Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was quoted as saying (RIAN), Some analysts say that the economic situation in Ukraine is virtually close to a collapse. If we feel that they are unable to pay, let's create a financial pool and help them with... Full Story

Russia, Ukraine Now that Yulia Tymoshenko and Vladimir Putin have agreed to Ukraine's gas fate for 2009, it is up to Ukraine's president Viktor Yushchenko to sign off on the deal.  This is expected to occur without any problems, but in Ukraine's political sphere, anything is possible. Russia has agreed to sell Ukraine natural gas at a 20% discount from European rates for the year of 2009.  In 2010, however, Ukraine will be forced to pay full price for their Natural Gas.  Some experts see... Full Story

Ukraine, Kiev Ukraine is a unique country, in many ways.  It has beautiful rolling mountains in the west, great for climbing, skiing, hiking and camping.  The south has the most beautiful beaches, with shear cliff faces just a kilometer away from the beach, presenting the most stunning views.  Tourist cities such as Odessa provide a great summer alternative, with beautiful beaches, open air clubs, fine dining and countless activities.  The capital, Kiev, is stunning in numerous... Full Story

Russia, Ukraine As the propaganda stirs, news agencies quickly begin to pick their sides.  Some agencies try to remain neutral, but the majority of western news agencies quickly side with Ukraine.  This isn't a surprise as they always side with whoever is against Russia, regardless of circumstances. Without being at the top of Gazprom, it is virtually impossible to know who is at fault with regards to the gas pressure shortage.  It is safe to assume that Russia is playing games and that it... Full Story