Topic: Turkish Stream

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland is reportedly active in the Balkans, with the hosts speculating she is organizing a "color revolution" in Macedonia. Macedonia is a critical link for the proposed Turkish Stream pipeline, which would transport Russian gas through Turkey and Greece into Central Europe. The hosts suggest U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region are aimed at disrupting Russian energy infrastructure projects.

The geopolitical struggle over gas pipelines continues as Russia shifts focus from the blocked South Stream to the "Turkish Stream" to bypass Ukraine. Analysts suggest that Ukraine may be "traded" in diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, a fear seemingly confirmed by President Poroshenko's insistence that John Kerry briefed him on Moscow meetings. Additionally, Ukraine faces a looming 2016 deadline for a $3 billion bond payment to Russia.

Macedonia is identified as a potential site for a "color revolution" due to its strategic role in the Turkish Stream pipeline project. The Gazprom-led route into Europe requires passage through Macedonia, which has recently faced terrorist attacks and political unrest. Similar patterns of instability were noted in Hungary after it expressed support for Russian energy projects.