Russia Hasn’t Changed Much

A New York Times article today reports that Russia has stopped piping natural gas to its neighbor, Ukraine.

Apparently, Russia had threatened to drive up the price of its gas; however, Ukraine had tried to negotiate that price. As a result, the former Soviet satelite experienced Russian brotherly love as its energy supply was immediately cut off.

Russia is not a true capitalist system. It is not a democracy. Those who lose elections in Russia face imprisonment or execution. The central government still controls most of the Russian economy. Russia still terrorizes weaker countries.

Without Russia’s gas, Ukraine will likely die a quick economic death. Ukraine will be forced to pay the gouged price. Russia wins. And no one gets in its way.