Macedonia and Russia Wash Each Others Hands.

In today's geopolitical environment, Macedonian cannot get too close to Russia. Good for the Macedonian government.

balkanalysis.com - Russia to Pay Off Macedonia Debt with Skopje Gas Pipeline

MIA announced yesterday that the Russian and Macedonian governments have agreed on a plan by which some $15 million of the former's debt will be paid off with the construction of a natural gas pipeline ring around Skopje.

... Last year, Russia and Macedonia announced a new period of economic partnership is beginning between the two countries, on everything from import-export to construction. In this context, MIA quoted Ivica Bocevski, chief of cabinet for newly-appointed Vice-Premier for Economic Affairs Minco Jordanov, as saying that further energy-sector projects between the pipeline partners will be considered following the signing of an inter-governmental agreement on Russian debt payment.