Part 3/9:
During the ongoing war, Russia reportedly paid Ukraine approximately one billion dollars annually for allowing gas transit through its pipelines. This amount provided vital revenue for Ukraine amid its economic challenges. The straightforward logic is that nations tend to favor financial gain over poverty, even in times of conflict. This principle is not unprecedented; historical examples show that trade can persist between belligerents, as seen during the American Civil War and even within other major conflicts.
Political Leverage: