Russia could lose its influence in Eastern Europe

While voicing doubts that the new EU Eastern Partnership with six former Soviet republics will bear immediate fruit, the daily Diena is nevertheless optimistic. "The [European] gas pipeline Nabucco has been given a fresh tailwind by the gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine. With it, Europe will be able to bypass Russia as a gas supplier. That means that Russia could lose its role as the major supplier in just a matter of years, and with it its strong negotiating position. ... Contrary to what was hoped, the Central Asian states have rejected cooperation [with the EU Eastern Partnership], but for Russia that is a victory with devastating costs. Until now [Belarusian President Alexander] Lukashenko was the most dependable ally, faithful to the grave, even more so than the dictators of Central Asia."

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