Blinken says 'no strategic interest' in Russia energy sanctions, resists calls for oil import ban
Fox News
Blinken argued that sanctions would drive up the cost of oil and provide Russia more short-term benefit.
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks as he greets embassy staff at the U.S. embassy, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool) White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) Pipes for the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea gas pipeline are stored on the premises of the port of Mukran near Sassnitz, Germany, on Dec. 4, 2020. (Stefan Sauer/dpa via AP, File) View of pipe systems and shut-off devices at the gas receiving station of the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline. (Photo by Stefan Sauer/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Blinken echoed the administration’s caution on the matter, arguing that short-term impact might actually help Russia and hurt America.