But since then a major row has broken out over Russian supplies to Ukraine.

After capturing the Russian supply dumps, the Poles returned to Kiev.

The British and French forces besieged Taganrog, aiming to disrupt Russian supplies to Crimea.

When possible, Mr. Frazier said, the plutonium would be used not only for national security but also for deep-space missions, reducing dependence on Russian supplies.

Increased Russian supplies have put downward pressure on prices.

The additional capacity is reserved for securing oil supplies in case of disruption of Russian supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, as happened in July 2008.

German planners in April and May 1939 feared that, without Russian supplies, Germany would fall critically short of manganese, oil and rubber.

In addition Russian supplies from the Siberian pipeline are also swiftly becoming available.

Hitler's intention was to prevent the Russians from using airbases there, and to cut off the Russian supply of oil from the Caucasus.

But as with its energy business, it has an overwhelming advantage as a state company in gaining access to the Russian supply.