The US insists that European Union countries should stop purchasing oil and gas from Russia if they seek to strengthen sanctions against Moscow. This was stated by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright in a conversation with the Financial Times.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Economic Pressure and Replacement of Energy Resources
Chris Wright emphasized that the revenues Russia receives from energy exports could be used to finance military aggression. In his opinion, a complete rejection of Russian fuel by Europe would encourage Washington to impose even stricter sanctions on Moscow.
“The revenues from energy exports can be used by Russia to finance military operations. According to the minister, if Europe stops purchasing Russian fuel, it will have a positive impact and push the US towards more aggressive sanctions.”
As an alternative to Russian energy resources, the minister suggested American liquefied natural gas, gasoline, and other energy carriers. This, according to Wright, would allow the EU to meet the terms of a bilateral trade agreement, under which European countries are required to purchase American energy resources worth $750 billion by the end of 2028.
Diplomatic Meetings and Further Sanctions
The US administration believes that such a move would also be economically beneficial for Europe. Meanwhile, according to Associated Press, on September 8, a delegation of European officials led by the EU sanctions representative David O’Sullivan will visit the US to discuss further steps for economic pressure on the Russian Federation, including the likelihood of new sanctions.
The issue of restrictive measures was recently discussed during an online meeting between US President Donald Trump and European leaders on September 4. Following the negotiations, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that if Moscow continues to ignore peace negotiations, the US and Europe will coordinate to impose new sanctions, considering both primary and secondary measures of influence.
Donald Trump also confirmed his readiness to move to the “second stage” of sanctions against Russia in response to its war against Ukraine.