In this CEPS Policy Brief, Keith C. Smith, Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington, D.C., argues that the recent ‘gas war’ between Ukraine and Russia does not reflect a policy change in Moscow, but rather represents a continuation of Russia’s use of its energy power to influence the foreign and security policies of its neighbours since 1990. He faults both the US and the EU for being slow to recognise that the energy policies of the Kremlin are a danger to Europe and particularly to the independence of the Central and East European countries. He further asserts that these policies are not in the long-term interest of Russia itself.