WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that the U.S. will target “the main artery of Russia’s economy” by banning the import of Russian energy products.
“We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy. That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at U.S. ports and the American people will deal another powerful blow to Putin’s war machine,” Biden said in remarks from the White House.
The president warned the move will probably increase gas prices in the U.S., but said it was a necessary move in order to ramp up sanctions pressure on the Russian economy, in reaction to Russia’s war
“Putin’s war is already hurting American families at the gas pump,” Biden said. “I’m going to do everything I can to minimize Putin’s price hike here at home.”
The use of that phrase clearly anticipates the concerted Republican effort to blame Biden directly for the rise in gas prices, which are hitting record levels. With gas prices certain to become a huge political issue, Biden devoted much of his remarks to focusing American anger directly on Putin, while also encouraging U.S. energy companies to produce more domestic oil.
