White House: US, allies discuss ways to further pressure Russia

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Sep 21:49

The talks also included efforts to further cooperate on energy for Europe as oil shortages loom ahead amid sanctions on Russian oil.

White House: US, allies seek further cooperation on energy for Europe

US President Joe Biden and allied leaders discussed on Thursday efforts to further cooperate on securing reliable energy supplies for Europe as the continent faces possible shortfalls in the coming winter due to the imposed sanctions on Russia.

Leaders of the US, the UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, and other countries discussed "continued international support for Ukraine, including through the ongoing provision of security and economic assistance and the sustained imposition of costs on Russia to hold the Kremlin accountable for its aggression," as well as "Russia's weaponization of energy and the need for further coordination to secure sustainable and affordable energy supplies for Europe," the White House said after the video conference.

The EU, which is heavily dependent on Russian supplies, has accused Moscow of using energy as blackmail in response to sanctions over Russia's operation in Ukraine.

Russia's decision to suspend the operation of its Nord Stream 1 pipeline has given rise to fear about the prospects of potential shortages as the European economy has taken one hit after the other due to the Western sanctions on Moscow.

On September 6, it was reported that a study conducted for the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has found that increasing electricity and gas bills are becoming unaffordable for low-paid Europeans, costing them more than a month's wages for low-paid workers in the majority of EU member states, with more energy prices hikes to be witnessed likely in coming months unless government action is taken.

The call between allies, which also included leaders of Italy, Romania, Poland, and NATO, as well as representatives from France and the EU, covered continuing support for Ukraine via military and economic assistance and pressuring Moscow with sanctions, the White House said in a statement.