USA: Rapid EU withdrawal from Russian energy could shorten the war

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has called on the European Union to stop importing Russian oil and gas as soon as possible.

According to him, this would not only weaken the financing of the war in Ukraine, but also strengthen European security.

Wright spoke at a conference of the CEPS think tank in Brussels and emphasized that a decisive course of action by the EU could significantly influence the course of the conflict.

At the same time, however, he pointed out a paradox: if Brussels does not change its strict regulations on methane emissions, imports of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) – which is supposed to replace Russian energy supplies – could fail.

The United States is therefore pushing for a compromise between climate protection commitments and the need to reduce energy dependence on Moscow.

Wright emphasized that Washington is prepared to support Europe in its transition to new sources of supply. However, without legal adjustments, this plan could be jeopardized.

The discussion highlights how closely energy policy and the war in Ukraine are now intertwined.

(reuters, red)