Actually, with Russiaīs "yes", it doesnīt matter what the US does.
We donīt need USīs "yes" in order to get things done now.
Now they will just look bad with their "no"...
Another blow for Bush?
Russian OK clears way for Kyoto Protocol
"The Russian government has approved the Kyoto Protocol, giving decisive support to the long-delayed climate change treaty that should allow it to
come into force worldwide.
The European Union hailed Moscow's decision and seized the moment to urge Washington, whose rejection of the pact in 2001 left it dependent on
Russia's approval, to rethink its position.
"The fate of the Kyoto protocol depends on Russia. If we...rejected ratification, we would become the ones to blame (for its failure)," Deputy
Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov told the cabinet meeting.
Russia, which accounts for 17 per cent of world emissions, has held the key to Kyoto's success since the US pullout.
Kyoto becomes binding once it has been ratified by 55 per cent of the signatories, which must altogether account for 55 per cent of developed
countries' carbon dioxide emissions.
The pact, so far ratified by
122 nations, has met the first condition. But they account for only 44 per cent of emissions.
Russia initially prevaricated on ratification. But in May Putin backed it in exchange for EU agreement on the terms of Moscow's admission to the
World Trade Organisation."