Russia and Ukraine flashpoint

[Mandalore76]

Machiavellian said:

Mandalore76 said:

Doesn't look like that has been going well.

Leaders in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) declined calls with President Biden as the war in Ukraine intensified, Middle East and U.S. officialstold The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.

"There was some expectation of a phone call, but it didn't happen," a U.S. official told the Journal regarding a call between Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. "It was part of turning on the spigot [of Saudi oil]."

UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed also declined a call from Biden, according to the officials.

Officials told the outlet that U.S. relations with the two Gulf countries have been strained over the Biden administration's lack of support in the war in Yemen and the revived negotiations concerning the Iran nuclear deal.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE both said they will not produce more oil than agreed on by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, the Journal noted.

Saudi, UAE leaders declined calls with Biden amid Ukraine conflict: report

You are only just listing Saudi Arabia, we already knew they stated they could or would not increase production but they are not the only producers in the world.  The thing you have to realize is that a decision like this is not some knee jerk reaction.  There is a lot going on behind the scenes because everything has a cost.  Also, we do not know if this was put on the table and sent to Putin to let him know if Russia does not end this war more sanctions are coming.  If you just throw everything at once you put a person in a corner where they just say "F*** it".  Each response has to be measured, negotiate, measured.  Also getting the world to come together instead of going it all John Wayne is a totally better solution with much bigger cost to Russia.

Do not believe that any of this will actually stop Putin, but the cost needs to be so high that it would be a century before Russia decides to go this route again.  The US only account for 3% of Russia oil so its not as big of a deal for the US to make this move but other countries its going to be a tough sell.  Hell even in the US they are crying about 5 bucks at the pump.  US is so dependant on cheap fuel, food, products but when they actually have to live like other nations do, well their giving and support wane pretty quickly.  I am sure we will see many memes and GOP blame Biden for everything but then again that is par for the course in politics.

At first bolded, it's what the Wall Street Journal reported, and they listed both Saudi Arabia and the Emirates.

At second bolded, yes, it would be par for the course in politics considering Democrat senators hammered Trump over gas prices that were significantly lower than they are today.  I agree it is a tactic employed by both parties for decades on an issue that often has little to do with the commander in chief.  Baring that in mind, it's hypocritical to lament when one president gets treated exactly the same on an issue as his predecessor:

"Are you creeping along on fumes because #GasPrices are so high?  I'll join [Senator Maria Cantwell,] [Senator Bob Menendez] & [Senator Ed Markey] to push [Trump] to start fighting for lower gas prices for hardworking Americans LIVE in a few minutes."  - Chuck Schumer May 23, 2018 - Average Price of Regular Grade Gasoline = $2.93/gallon

"Prescription drug prices are skyrocketing. Gas prices continue to rise. Health care costs and premiums are through the roof. Wages are stagnant. What is the solution Trump and Republicans in Washington propose?" Nancy Pelosi July 30, 2018 - Average Price of Regular Grade Gasoline = $2.85/gallon

Meanwhile:

Average US Price of Regular Grade Gasoline on Biden's Innaguration Day = $2.38/gallon

Average US Price of Regular Grade Gasoline in March 2021 (before Russia first started massing troops on Ukraine's border) = $2.86/gallon

March 30: Military moves

In March, Russia launched a massive military buildup near its border with Ukraine, prompting Ukraine’s then-military chief, Ruslan Khomchak, to warn that the Russian action threatened Ukraine. In April, Russia withdrew some forces but left much of its equipment in place.

Average US Price of Regular Grade Gasoline by end of September 2021 (before Russia resumed massing troops on Ukraine's border) = $3.18/gallon

By October, Russia had resumed its military buildup near Ukraine.

Average US Price of Regular Grade Gasoline February 21, 2022 (before Russia invaded Ukraine on 2/24/22) = $3.53/gallon

Average US Price of Regular Grade Gasoline as of March, 7 2022 = $4.10/gallon

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/01/08/russia-us-nato-putin-ukraine/

https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=PET&s=EMM_EPMR_PTE_NUS_DPG&f=W