Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the United States and Western nations should not blame the conflict between Russia and Ukraine for high domestic gas prices.
“For example, Russia’s oil supply to the American market does not exceed 3 percent. This is a tiny amount. And their prices are rising. President Putin said Thursday, according to state media. rice field.
Putin added that the White House is trying to ignore economic failures in Russia, “they are hiding behind these decisions to deceive their population again.”
As of Thursday Car group AAA found Its price is about $ 4.31 on average nationwide for a gallon of regular gas. California, the highest price in the United States, typically averages $ 5.60 per gallon.
Two days earlier, President Joe Biden announced that his administration would block Russia’s oil and petroleum product imports, saying it would cost money related to penalties against Russia. In particular, he said, these penalties were enforced for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“But Americans can see this. The costs we charge Putin and his associates are far more devastating than the costs we face,” Biden said Thursday. I told you. Biden also told reporters earlier this week that “you can’t do much” to relieve the pain in the pump.
Inflation has skyrocketed for several months, the highest in more than 40 years, but the White House has focused on fixing inflation in the war between Russia and Ukraine.Republicans in parliament are against Seized Rising inflation has blamed the government for high gas prices and other commodities.
“Americans’ budgets are being stretched by price increases, and families are beginning to feel the impact of Putin’s price increases,” Biden said. statement On thursday. “A major factor in this month’s inflation was rising gas and energy prices as markets responded to Putin’s aggressive actions.”
“I know that higher prices affect the family budget, which is why I’m fighting to lower the daily prices that are squeezing Americans.”
However, Republicans and other critics have said that Biden’s presidential order to suspend the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada, and the order to suspend new drilling, have been partially due to soaring gas prices and inflation. It states that it is.
Also on Thursday, Putin said he believes the United States will eventually seek to normalize relations with Russia, despite recent sanctions, due to its vast reserves of oil and natural resources.
“They have made peace with Iran, are ready to sign all documents immediately and make peace with Venezuela. They went to Venezuela for negotiations, but these illegal sanctions should be introduced. It wasn’t, “said the head of state of Russia. “The same thing happens in our relationship with our country, I have no doubt about it.”
follow
Jack Phillips is the latest news reporter for The Epoch Times, based in New York.