By signing the “gas” contract with China for 30 years, among other things, the RF has showed the world that its place is in the dual cockpit with Beijing. After that Ukraine must realize that we are at war not only with the Kremlin, but with cunning China too.
Firstly, Russia demonstrates that it has an alternative gas market. This is in case if Europe really restricts purchases of Russian gas either due to general reduction in consumption or because of Ukraine or for some other reason.
Secondly, in response to existing and potential sanctions, the Kremlin clearly shows that it will have money to sponsor military operations, in Ukraine included. After all, no matter how concealed essence of the contract is, it is clear that the gas price for China is commensurate with the European one.
Thirdly, Moscow once again proves that Asian mentality is closer to it and more understandable than the European one. I cannot say that one of them is better or worse - they're different.
Looks like for the first time in the final negotiations on energy carriers in Beijing, Putin took not the first place as always, having given it to the Beijing's leader. This had never happened before – the Russian federation always dictated its conditions for energy, particularly for gas. This time it was all vice versa. This was evident even despite the perfectly mastered Kremlin's master's behavior when under the influence of contemporary circumstances and future China's power, he had to retreat. From this Ukraine should make additional conclusions now, during the Russian aggression: Putin will beat a retreat under the pressure of strong arguments.
Thus the “gas” agreement with China should be seen as a clear signal to the international community that Putin is hiding under China's mental, political and security “umbrella”. Not CSTO's, but China's!
It is obvious that Ukraine “is not coming the Asian Russia's way”. We have to struggle for the European choice for the Ukrainian nation.
