US demands EU halt Russian gas purchases if it wants tougher sanctions on Russia
Photo: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright (Getty Images)
European countries must stop buying Russian oil and gas if they want Washington to impose tougher sanctions on Moscow, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright says.
According to him, revenues from energy exports allow Russia to continue financing its military aggression against Ukraine.
Possible alternative
"If the Europeans drew a line and said: 'We're not going to buy more Russian gas, we're not going to buy Russian oil'. Would that have a positive influence on the US leaning in more aggressively [on sanctions] as well? Absolutely," Wright said.
Instead of Russian fuel, he said, Europe could switch to American liquefied natural gas, gasoline, and other energy sources.
Wright recalled that as part of an agreement with Washington, the European Union has committed to purchasing $750 billion worth of American energy resources by the end of 2028. The US considers this scenario to be economically beneficial for European countries.
"We think it's good economically for Europe. You want to have secure energy suppliers that are your allies, not your foes ... the other reason is a huge goal of the Trump administration, and I believe of the EU, is to end the Russia-Ukraine war," the Minister said.
Trump's sanctions
During a telephone conversation with European leaders on September 4, Donald Trump demanded that Europe increase economic pressure, including a complete halt to purchases of Russian oil and gas, to convince Putin to sit down at the negotiating table. The American leader also called on Europeans to put pressure on China.
On September 7, Trump said he was ready to move to the second stage of sanctions against Russia.
According to the Financial Times, EU officials are discussing potential sanctions against China and other countries for purchasing Russian oil and gas.
