Russia is poised to strike the final blow to the European Nabucco gasline project, by making the most of its renewed influence in the Caucasus after the “five-day war” in Georgia. This is part of an all-out diplomatic drive launched by Moscow, in the aim of luring Azerbaijan into its sphere of influence.

GazpromÂ’s purchase offer for the Azeri gas, which in principle is intended for the Nabucco project, is a central piece in this strategy. If it succeeds, the Europeans will see the main potential gas source for Nabucco slip from their grasp.