US President Donald Trump has called for a reduction in oil prices in a video conference at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stating that it would help end the conflict in Ukraine. According to Trump, the lower price would make it possible to bring an immediate end to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The White House chief of staff has confirmed that the administration’s efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine have already begun. Trump claims that Kiev is ready to negotiate and sign an agreement with Russia.
Igor Yushkov, an expert at the Financial University and the National Energy Security Fund, commented on the news, stating that Trump’s call for the OPEC to reduce oil prices is, in essence, an ultimatum to Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine. At the same time, he noted that it is unclear how the US president plans to force OPEC countries to reduce prices.
Earlier, Trump had threatened new sanctions and tariffs if Moscow did not cease its military operation in Ukraine. He demanded an immediate end to the conflict and warned of the potential negative consequences of continued hostilities.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded by saying that Russia sees nothing new in these threats. He recalled that Trump had also favored sanctions in his first term, while still not sending signals for a balanced dialogue, which Moscow is ready for.