We need to understand what Russia has done to Ukraine in the last 8 years, especially what has been done in the last year.

The EPA reports that Jeffrey Payat, assistant secretary of state for energy resources on a trip to Azerbaijan, told journalists.

He has indicated that President Putin continues the war based on revenue from oil and gas resources: "At the same time, at the G7 summit, we announced the most comprehensive package of sanctions ever applied to Russian oil and gas. Until before that war, Russia was one of the largest oil and gas exporting countries in the world. If we were to take Russian gas out of the global market entirely, it would have a serious impact on the global economy. Sadly, it is a bitter reality. Therefore, since the beginning, we have waited for an act of balance in sanctions, as we have severely restricted Russia's resources to buy drones, other weapons, but at the same time have ensured the opportunity to store petroleum products on the market. At the G7 summit last week, we publicly declared our message to eliminate dependence on Russian energy altogether in the future. We want to make sure that all investments that will allow Russia to develop energy capabilities in the future will be curtailed.

When I was in Dehli a few months ago, I also stated in my conversation with India's energy minister that a total reduction in the sale price of Russia's energy resources was in line with our political interests. Because it makes Russia's financial opportunities difficult, much of Russia's state budget is shaped by revenues from oil and gas sales. It is estimated that by 2030 Russia's revenues will fall by as much as 50 per cent, imagine what that means for living standards. This will have devastating consequences for the Russian people."