Bessent Blames Ukraine Drone Strikes for Energy Shock, Citing Tens of Millions in Lost Russian Exports
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 3
Bessent Blames Ukraine Drone Strikes for Energy Shock, Citing Tens of Millions in Lost Russian Exports
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 3
Summary
Scott Bessent said Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil infrastructure are helping drive a global energy shock, arguing the strikes have pushed prices higher by disrupting refined-product supplies.
Tens of millions of barrels in Russian refined oil exports have been lost as Ukraine expanded drone attacks on refineries four years into the war, according to the report.
Bessent made the remarks after two days of meetings in North Carolina with finance ministers, where the U.S. also drew criticism for inviting Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to the G20 gathering.
The comments add friction to U.S. policy: Bessent is trying to cool energy prices while increasing pressure on Iran, even as most U.S. lawmakers still cast Russia as the war’s aggressor and the Senate backs tougher sanctions.