Posted on 02/27/2022 7:59:52 AM PST by McGruff
There is a glaring carve-out in President Joe Biden’s sanctions against Russia: Oil and natural gas from that country will continue to flow freely to the rest of the world and money will keep flowing into Russia.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Biden defended his decision to preserve access to Russian energy in order “to limit the pain the American people are feeling at the gas pump.” But some academics, lawmakers and other analysts say that excluding an industry at the heart of the Russian economy essentially limits the sanctions and could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
The side that writes the biggest check, as always.
Ha reminds me of the no fly zones and Hilda’s answer to the Syrian question, no fly zones. Just costs money and build alliances.
Guess what folks. We’ve been buying Russian gas for some time.
They should remit all payments through soybean shipments. Make this the only approved means of payment.
Putin threatened the U.S. He blinked.
Germany was not about to cut off 40% or so of its energy to try to ‘punish’ Putin, and Putin knew it. We’re still at the ‘symbolic’ stage of punishments, as far as Putin is concerned.
On the other hand, Germany did FINALLY agree with Trump and will up their defense spending, but obviously that takes years to have effect, and by then, Putin may well have Europe the way he wants it.
There is no “may” about it.
Thanks to Biden, Russia has already profited from a massive increase in oil/gas prices.
Good luck getting Germany and the other EU nations to go along with that, the increase in inflation from energy prices would send their economies into a downward spiral.
On purpose, Brandon is a demented fool who hates our country.
“Who’s side is he on anyways?”
The Germans are not “good, solid allies.” Putting half of Germany, who have closed down many of their coal and nuclear plants, in the dark, would probably cause the present government to fall. The repercussions to the “alliance” could be fatal. This is one of the side effects of the “green” movement. The propaganda for the Green Movement is largely bankrolled by Russia. (A great investment for Putin, if you ask me.)
It was a gesture - that’s all
woke, green Europe needs Russian energy - or the lights go out. Its that simple. Even if Europe could pay 5X for ALL of USA’s LNG export capacity (which is impossible of course), it would not be enough
Want more evidence? Even though Ukraine and Russia are at total war, Ukraine gas pipelines are still safe and operating. Europe will go dark without them, Ukraine needs the transit fees, and Russia is making a mint.
Germany is already screwed.
Western Europeans are the biggest morons. We are morons too for electing Joe Biden and cancelling Keystone pipeline.
There was a theory I saw that basically this entire episode is Kabuki Theater. Both Russia and the US want the same thing, a return to the Cold War where the military industrial complex profits in both nations from a huge military buildup in Europe. To do so Russia has been essentially given a wink and a nod to take back Ukraine and maybe a couple other nations in their sphere of influence. This will give the US a reason to start producing tons of weapons system and adding new bases to “save” Europe. Of course the Russians will then build up an equal force to counter it. And all the sanctions have huge loopholes and just intended to make it look like we care.
I saw here on FR that Putin took in $15 billion from oil and natural gas sales in 2020.
In 2021, Putin took in $67 billion.
Oil was $41 a barrel in November 2020.
Now, it’s bumping up again $100 a barrel.
It’s been said that Putin makes money when oil is above $70 per barrel.
Which makes the “Trump is in cahoots with Russia” lie all the more ridiculous.
Putin make a fortune when Biden Was installed.
Nothing less than a total trade embargo against Russia is suitable. Putin has nuclear missiles fueled and ready to launch against the USA and the idiot Biden team is barely taking half measures here.
That's a good question since Biden instituted energy sanctions against the United States on his very first day in office.
Western Europe is dependent on Russian natural gas, oil and coal. They aren't going to freeze in the dark for Biden.
Wonder if there is a carveout too for using Russian dressing on Reubens? I hope so...
Biden's still PO'ed at Ukraine over the Hunter Biden fiasco. The clown is unhinged. I sure hope there are some Democrats with at least one neuron still firing who are experiencing buyer's regret.

Can't make this stuff up.
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