Biden says Putin in ‘tough shape’ as US and UK impose sanctions on Russia
World | US President Biden describes Putin's precarious situation as the US and UK impose major sanctions on Russia's energy sector amid Ukraine's ongoing conflict.
US President Joe Biden said Friday (Jan 10) that Russian President Vladimir Putin was in a “tough shape,” as the United States and Britain imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow's energy sector over its invasion of Ukraine.
Real chance Ukraine can prevail: Biden
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden said: “Putin is in tough shape right now, and I think it's really important that he not have any breathing room to continue to do the god-awful things he continues to do.”
The US President added that there was a “real chance Ukraine can prevail” if it continues to get Western support.
While acknowledging gasoline prices could rise “as much as three, four cents a gallon,” Biden stressed that the sanctions would have a “more profound impact” on Russia.
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His statement comes just days before his successor Donald Trump takes over the US presidency.
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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov slammed the US' fresh sanctions against Russia, labelling them as an attempt to leave the incoming Trump administration with “as heavy a legacy as possible.”
US and UK sanctions
Biden's comments came as the US Treasury Department on Friday designated over 180 vessels and major Russian oil firms, as it fulfilled “the G7 commitment to reduce Russian revenues from energy.”
The sanctions will apply to nearly 400 entities and individuals, including 183 oil-carrying vessels, along with oil traders, subsidiaries, and key figures in Russia's energy sector.
Concurrently, the UK implemented sanctions against Russian oil giants Gazprom Neft and PJSC Surgutneftegas, saying profits from them were “lining (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war chest and facilitating the war” in Ukraine.
“Taking on Russian oil companies will drain Russia's war chest –- and every ruble we take from Putin's hands helps save Ukrainian lives,” said UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in a statement.
Gazprom condemns move
Reacting swiftly, Gazprom Neft condemned the sanctions as “baseless”, “illegitimate,” and detrimental to fair competition.
“Gazprom Neft considers the decision to include its assets on the sanctions list as baseless, illegitimate and contrary to the principles of free competition,” said the company as reported by Russian state news agencies.
The market responded to the sanctions with a surge in oil prices, with Brent North Sea crude reaching $79.68 per barrel by late afternoon—4:45 pm in Washington (2145 GMT).
(With inputs from agencies)
