Putin: U.S. wants to push Russia out of European energy markets
The U.S. wants to oust Russia from the energy markets of Europe through sanctions, stated on Thursday, October 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin at the session of the Valdai Discussion Club.
“Some do not even hide the fact that they use political pretexts and occasions to promote their own, purely commercial interests. Thus, the recent sanction package adopted by the U.S. Congress is openly aimed at pushing Russia out of the European energy markets, forcing Europe to switch to more expensive liquefied gas from the United States,” Putin said.
He also noted that it is alleged that Russia is trying to “obstruct the construction of new energy routes," including the Nord and South Streams.
As was reported, in late September the U.S. strengthened sanctions against Russia.