Publication

As the main route for Russian gas into Europe, Ukraine is vital to both European and Russian energy security. The EU seeks to secure gas supplies through Ukraine by integrating its eastern neighbour into the European energy market. Russia is seeking to prevent EU-led reforms in Ukraine in order to secure stable gas export incomes and continue exerting power over its ‘sphere of privileged interest’. Ukraine’s elite does not wish for reform, but maintaining the status quo is no longer tenable either. Ukraine is increasingly forced to choose between the energy security guarantees of the EU and Russia.