Only one country gains from sanctions on Russia

FLY – Western sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukraine conflict have had a major impact on the European economy, while the United States (US) is the only actor to benefit from these restrictions.

This statement was made by Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov on Saturday (12/24/2022) amid ongoing fighting in Ukraine.

Speaking to the Asharq News newspaper, he believes Western sanctions have helped Washington achieve its goals. “Their supply of oil and gas to the European market has increased,” Siluanov said.

“US energy shipments, however, have proved costly for Europeans, resulting in skyrocketing inflation and reduced competitiveness for European businesses,” Siluanov said.

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According to him, “Western sanctions and the explosion that damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines at the end of September should supply Europe with more expensive liquefied (natural) gas than America.”

“America wins, Europe loses,” he said.

Moscow has labeled the sabotage a terrorist attack, arguing that the United States benefited most from the blast.

While Washington has denied any involvement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the incident as a “tremendous opportunity” for Europe to move away from Russian energy.

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