A very interesting read:

Public release date: 7-May-2009

Study: US-Canadian shale could neutralize Russian energy threat to Europeans

Rising shale gas production in the United States and Canada as well as potential natural gas supplies from Iraq could be pivotal in curbing Russia's ability to organize an "energy weapon" against European consumers, according to a new study released today by Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.

The best part is near the end:

"In addition, the potential development of local gas shale supplies in countries such as Ukraine and Hungary will contribute to the diversification of supplies"

http://www.rice.edu/nationalmedia/mu...