I'd read a scenario predicting this move would be a justification for Russia (via Gazprom) to send troops into Ukraine to "protect the pipeline". And with their citizens in Europe freezing which western politicians would object? The speculated play in this scenario is that Russian Gov't (ie communist party ie Putin)wishes to renationalize Gazprom (et al) when such actions (virtual invasion of Ukraine) would precipitate the wholesale withdrawal of "western" money from the Russian economy/stockmarket, at which time the gov't buys the shares (american style,,,, so who.... in the world.. could object). They get to control the pipeline and energy supply to Europe, simple really.
