Thank you very much to the witnesses. As other MPs have said, it is really an honour to have you here and to be getting such up-to-the minute information from such excellent witnesses.
I want to start with you, Dr. Aslund.
As we know, there is a major political upheaval taking place in Ukraine right now. Much of Europe, if not the world, is jittery. In fact nine hours ago the Ukraine forces moved to full military readiness, and in news reports just two hours ago, the Ukraine foreign minister warned of a Russian invasion.
Dr. Aslund, can you tell us succinctly what is the threat to Ukraine, and indeed to Europe, of being so energy dependent on Russia?