This week, Global Pulse will examine this month's dispute between Russia's Gazprom and Ukraine, which led to a cutting of gas supplies to much of eastern Europe in the heart of winter. In an interview with Newsweek, Ukraine's deputy Prime Minister Hryhoriy Nemyria predicts that "Gazprom is killing the goose that brings Russia golden eggs," and that freezing  European residents will feel little goodwill towards the company and its hardball negotiation tactics. 

Bloomberg meanwhile reports that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin blames none other than outgoing US President George Bush for escalating the current gas crisis. In his view, Bush administration plans to extend NATO membership to Ukraine, along with a proposed new missile defense shield in eastern Europe, has led to a worsening of Russia's relations with its western neighbors.

Will the arrival of the Obama administration help to stimulate greater cooperation in the region? And when can we expect President Obama to grant an interview, like he did with Al-Arabiya this week, with Russia Today or another influential local outlet?