I just read a great article on the NYT which helps get at the heart of the natural gas issue.  Seeing as I am not an expert on the area, I am only living here for a year, it's hard to know where disputes like this get started.  It's been clear that what's at stake here in the gas conflict is about much more than just the gas what's not always been clear is what's motivating the two parties--Russia and Ukraine.  So if you want to know about the background and what's motivating Russia and Ukraine you should check out this article: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/14/world/europe/14gazprom.html?ref=europe" target="_blank">Gas dispute runs deeper than pipes</a>.