G. Stoltenberg: Russia uses energy as a weapon – It is necessary to differentiate suppliers

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said today that the Alliance must diversify its energy suppliers as Russia uses energy “as a weapon”.

“The war in Ukraine shows the danger of over-dependence on the products of authoritarian regimes. The way Russia uses energy as a weapon of coercion underscores the need to quickly break free from Russian oil and gas,” Stoltenberg told the public. NATO on climate and security, shortly before the start of the Alliance’s summit in Madrid.

“At the same time, we must not replace one dependency with another. Many of the new green technologies and minerals required come from China. Therefore, we must diversify our energy sources and suppliers,” he added.

“We have seen Russia use energy as a weapon. But we must not let ourselves be dependent on others. A lot of energy resources come from China. That is why we need to diversify our suppliers.”

Noting that NATO should have trade with China, he stressed that the Alliance must be aware of the same dangers of great dependence.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Stoltenberg said: “It is in our interest to support Ukraine. We support Ukraine in part because it is a close partner with whom we have been working for many years, but also because … the world of allies. “NATO will be less secure if Putin wins this war.”

“Thus, it is in our security interest to guarantee that Ukraine will prevail as a sovereign independent nation,” he added.

Regarding the blocking of grain imports that has triggered a spike in world food prices, he said that the reason for this is not NATO sanctions against Russia, but the ongoing Russian war.

At the same time, he described as “historic” the decisions of Finland and Sweden to apply for membership in the Alliance and that their accession will strengthen the security of NATO.

SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ