Global reliance on Russian energy a hurdle to US pressure campaign on Putin

The global reliance on Russian petroleum and natural gas is a major hurdle for President Biden and western allies as they attempt to dial up economic pressure on President Vladimir Putin.

The US and EU are reluctant to target the Russian energy sector and drive oil and gas prices even higher after months of rising costs for consumers. The dynamic gives Putin important leverage and could undermine unity among the US and its European allies in how they respond to his invasion of Ukraine.