Russia's growing influence in world energy markets

Russia threw their weight around late last year regarding natural gas pipelines which provide heat for European homes. They ended up cutting off Ukraine until the latter acquiesced to Russia's demands for higher prices. Meanwhile, the rest of Europe was held hostage and forced to accept higher prices as well.

The US recently scrapped plans to build missile defense shields in the Czech Republic and Poland, again bowing down to Russian threats, implied and otherwise.

Russia is now the world's #1 producer of crude oil, 25% higher than #2 Saudi Arabia. You think that has something to do with them getting their way recently?