Ukraine in the Headlines

So I've had a few questions and comments about the gas-standoff between Russia and Ukraine, and it would be quite the oversight to not address a situation that is putting Ukraine in all the headlines: (if you're curious or haven't heard anything about the situation, here's some reading-)

• http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jan/07/gas-ukraine


• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7806616.stm


• http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/11/europe/gazprom.php

I guess the problem (lack thereof) is that it hasn't really affected us in the least! Arun and I still hang around the apartment in tanks and tees and our heat has been working just fine. Maybe these are the moments we should be grateful for our over-priced apartment's independent heating system?

I haven't noticed much difference in the outside world, either! The grocery stores have heat. The buses have heat. I suppose the airport and the train station wasn't quite so toasty, but it certainly wasn't cold! Our work places have been so warm, that we open the window to let in some air now and then!

So I'm not really sure if this is because Ukraine is indeed siphoning gas away from the rest of Europe....or whether we're currently using reserve gas, and the worst is yet to come.... or perhaps, this is a lot of media-hype and political posturing? No clue. If I had to guess- my bets would be on siphoning.

Either way, as selfish as this sounds- I'm just glad I haven't personally faced any heating issues. You'll be the first to know if it gets shut off! But until then- I'm snug as a bug!

(by the way- picture from the Ukrainian Observer)