Joe Biden on March 8 in Washington (AFP/Jim WATSON)
President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that he had ordered an embargo on American imports of Russian oil and gas, in order to increase the sanctions imposed on Russia and “deal another powerful blow to Putin”.
This decision was taken “in close coordination” with the allies of the United States, he specified. “We will not help subsidize Putin’s war.”
Europe has, for the moment, refused to decree an embargo on Russian imports, which provide 40% of its natural gas needs and 30% for oil.
The United States are net exporters of energy, that is to say that they produce more oil and gas than they consume, recalled Joe Biden. “We can make this decision, while others cannot,” he explained.
“But we are working closely with Europe and our partners to put in place a long-term strategy to reduce their dependence on Russian energy.”
“We remain united in our intention to maintain increasing pressure on Putin and his war machine,” added the American head of state.
Russian oil represents only 8% of American imports and 4% of the consumption of petroleum products in the United States, which does not import Russian gas.
© 2022 AFP
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