Ukraine Tries to Move Closer to Europe At All Costs

Ukraine continues to act as the good younger brother of the European Union, following the rules of the 28-member block both on an energy and political level.

Ukraine’s energy firm Naftogaz said on Wednesday it transferred $40 million to Russia’s Gazprom. Given the price previously announced as part of a 3-month extension of the Winter Package ($247.18 per 1,000 cubic metres), Ukraine paid for 0.16 Bcm of gas.

Kiev is following Brussels’ guidance also in the other sectors, ranging from pension systems to the justice system. 

‘Government of Ukraine approved bills on reforming pension system in compliance with European standards in pension provision’ reads a note on the government’s website on Thursday.  

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko appointed three members of the Supreme Council of Justice, saying that the move should increase public confidence in the court. 

Meanwhile, the Russian newspaper Sputnik reported that the Ukrainian security service might have known - even authorised - the ‘physical liquidation of public and political figures opposed to the Kiev Junta.’