Moscow, 26 December: It would be wrong to say that Russia, while trying to resolve the problem of Ukraine's debts for gas, is exercising political pressure on Kiev, because Russia's only pragmatic wish is to get back its money, Russian political analysts believe.

"Of course, this is not a political issue, but it has been politicized anyway. Although from the Russian side there is no politics in it. It is quite obvious that Russia cannot sell its goods, gas for instance, for free, this is a criminal offence," a member of the Russian Public Chamber and acting director of the Russian World Foundation, Vyacheslav Nikonov, told Interfax.

Nikonov believes that it is Ukraine that is politicizing the problems of debts for gas. "The possibility of economic sanctions by Russia will of course cause a negative reaction from Kiev and in part of society which will be speaking yet again about 'Moscow's intrigues'," Nikonov said.

President of the Effective Politics Foundation Gleb Pavlovskiy agrees that there is no political pressure on Kiev. "I don't think the Kremlin is trying to influence Ukrainian policies through gas prices. Such influence is now impossible and can only worsen the situation. Therefore, Russia's position is simple - to get the money, step back and leave Ukraine to its own devices," Pavlovskiy told Interfax.

Russia treats the debts for gas as an exclusively financial issue, but it has fundamental importance, the political analyst believes. "Nowadays, when the whole world is facing financial crisis, Russia cannot pat (Ukrainian President Viktor) Yushchenko on the back and say, OK mate, take your time, I will wait. The debt for gas is serious money," he said.

He believes Moscow simply cannot afford to be lenient. "If Russia does not make a decisive attempt to get back the money now, it will never get it. Ukraine's debt will become a hopeless debt, similar to the debts of some Asian and African countries," Pavlovskiy believes.

The political analyst believes that official Kiev's position on the debt issue shows that Ukraine is a "failed state". "Ukraine, as a partner on debt obligations, is hopeless. At the same time it continues to pursue suicidal policies, in the finances and elsewhere. And at the same time it remembers to play foul tricks on Russia," the political analyst said.