National Post: Vladimir Putin using Russia’s natural gas as a weapon against Ukraine: Hillary Clinton

Former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton says Russian President Vladimir Putin is using his country’s energy resources to intimidate his opponents.

Concerns over Ukraine’s financial condition mounted this week after Russian state gas company Gazprom said it was cancelling a substantial discount on natural gas granted to the former satellite country in December. Mr. Putin, meanwhile, noted Ukraine still owes Russia about US$2-billion for gas.

Ms. Clinton told a business audience Thursday Mr. Putin’s incursion in Ukraine follows a pattern of behaviour he established with the invasion of Georgia in 2008.

“Vladimir Putin cherishes a vision of a greater Russia. His goal is to re-Sovietize Russia,” she said to the 2,500 who came to hear her speak in Calgary.

“That means trouble. And that’s why everyone is scrambling to prop up Ukraine … and to try to prevent future escalation.”  MORE