CNN iReport

It amazes me that the reports on the Russian/Ukrainian gas disputes are focused strictly on the effect it has on European countries. Has the media forgotten that the gas supply that runs through Ukraine also supplies the gas for Ukraine?

While Europe is only beginning to feel the crunch from the gas stoppage, Ukraine has been running on regulated reserves that bring the temperature in most buildings to 50 degrees F or less since the beginning of the year. This all happening while the average temperature outside has been hovering around 0 degrees F.

Europe (and the media) shouldn't only be outraged by their gas shortage but also the atrocities being leveled out to the Ukrainian people who have seen their gas bill double and their heat cut in half or less.

I'm not blaming Russia alone because the Ukrainian government is meting out these increased rates as the cost of gas is plummeting around the world. However, Russia is the supplier of the gas and Ukraine only a conduit. Gasprom has seen an 85% increase in net-profit and wants to charge Ukraine more than double it's last year rate. Russia is trying to put undue fees and price adjustments for Ukraine during the winter months. They are using the extreme cold as a negotiation tactic to vie for more money. They are willing to let people freeze to death for the lining of their own pockets.

I think its great that Europe is feeling the pinch. Maybe now they will get more involved with this situation and force Russia to show some humanity or lose business. Still, could the news show a little recognition of what is happening in Ukraine? Why are there no stories about the gas cutoff to a complete nation? I guess it doesn't count as news unless a tank brigade is crossing the border.