Introduction [1]

In 2004, Gazprom exported around 150 Billion cubic metres of gas to 22 European countries.[2] In a Europe of 35 countries, Russian gas accounted for nearly 40% of total imports and 28% of gas demand in that year.[3] All Russian gas exports to Europe (except deliveries to Finland and the portion of Turkish exports delivered via the Blue Stream pipeline) transit through three countries: Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. Ukraine holds the pivotal geographical position with more than 80% of Russian gas exports to Europe delivered via that country in 2004. During the 1990s, the ...