In their row over gas prices, Russia has no reason to make concessions to Ukraine. There is little to suggest that an end to the conflict is in sight.

Relations between Russia and Ukraine are at a new low after serious gas shortages in Europe this winter. Olga Shumylo-Tapiola argues that the interests of Ukrainian oligarchs will continue to put pressure on the government to demand lower prices, a demand that Russia is unlikely to acquiesce to. The only long term solution is for Ukraine to do more to reduce its dependence on Russian natural gas.