Ahead on Ukraine raids that endanger security of Europe gas supplies

Reuters was first to report raids by Ukraine security agents on the offices of the state energy and pipeline company on March 4 and 5. Equally importantly, Reuters was first to explain why the raids mattered to the security of Europe’s gas supplies. Ukraine is the main transit route for Russian gas supplies to Europe and every hitch in its relations with its larger neighbour is watched closely by energy investors. In-fighting between Ukraine’s president and prime minister - at the heart of the raids, as Reuters stories explained - is an obstacle to economic recovery and the release of IMF funds. The economic meltdown in Ukraine also threatens to spill over into other parts of Eastern Europe.