US Ambassador to the UN Thomas-Greenfield does not believe that Russia can cut off gas to Europe US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield does not believe that Moscow can take this step in response to sanctions, as this would equally harm her
The US does not believe that Russia can shut off gas to Europe in response to sanctions. This was stated by the American Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield in an interview with the Rai 1 TV channel, her words are given on the website of the diplomatic mission.
“I believe that this would equally harm Russia, so it would not be in [the country's] interest to cut off the Europeans' access to the gas pipeline,” — she said, when asked if the Joe Biden administration had a plan in place in case diplomatic efforts failed and sanctions had to be imposed, which Russia could respond by cutting off gas supplies.
Bloomberg, in turn, citing sources familiar with this issue, reports that the Joe Biden administration is negotiating with Qatar about the possibility of supplying liquefied natural gas to Europe in the event of “aggression” Russia against Ukraine and sanctions against it. According to two interlocutors, the president plans to invite Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to visit the United States, possibly as early as late January. As Bloomberg notes, some European countries fear that tough sanctions against Russia, which the West has threatened in the event of an escalation, could hurt their economies and prompt President Vladimir Putin to stop or reduce gas supplies in the winter.
In response to possible aggression against Ukraine, the West threatened Moscow with unprecedented sanctions. CNN, citing sources, reported that the White House is discussing several options for restrictions. Persons from Putin's inner circle, energy companies and banks can fall under them. Sanctions can also be applied against public debt. Among the radical measures were the disconnection of Russia from the international interbank system for transmitting information about payments made SWIFT and limiting the conversion of the ruble.
Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress have already presented their options for restrictive measures against Russia in the event of an “invasion” to Ukraine, they affect, among other things, Putin and his entourage, Russian banks and public debt.
In autumn, gas futures prices in Europe reached record levels. In early October, the price of fuel for the first time in history exceeded $1.9 thousand. Another jump took place in December. Then the exchange price for the first time in history rose above $2,000 per 1,000 cubic meters. m.
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