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Transcript/ScriptUS-Russia-Ukraine -- USAGM
HEADLINE: As Ukraine Conflict Rages, US Looks to New Oil Sources
TEASER: US approaches Iran, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, to offset loss of Russian oil
PUBLISHED: 03/07/2022 at 9:09 pm
BYLINE: Anita Powell
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: The White House
SCRIPT EDITORS: Holly Franko, Mia Bush, Tom D
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TYPE: 2:50
VIDEO APPROVED BY: Holly Franko
EDITOR NOTES: ))
((INTRO:))
[[ World leaders are feverishly trying to extinguish the raging conflict in Ukraine, as warring delegations meet for another round of talks and diplomats rush between capitals to try to talk their way to peace. But in Washington, all eyes are on the gas pump as Russian sanctions send prices to near-record highs, and the Biden administration tries to balance American needs with world peace. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House. ]]
((NARRATOR))
Grim scenes as Russian troops continue their siege of Ukraine
and diplomats scramble in global capitals to stop this conflict.
But at home, President Joe Biden is facing tough questions about how the stringent sanctions against Russia are affecting Americans. Gas prices have hit a near-record $4 per gallon across the U.S., and Biden is under pressure from across the political spectrum to do something – though there is no consensus on what he should do, and he hasn’t decided, the White House said.
((Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary))
“Well, no decision has been made, at this point, by the president about a ban on importing oil from Russia. And those discussions are ongoing internally, and also with our counterparts and partners in Europe and around the world.”
((NARRATOR))
Ukraine’s president on Monday called on Biden to make that move.
((Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President))
"(Sanctions should include) boycott of Russian exports, in particular refusal of oil and oil products from Russia. It can be called an embargo or just a moral (issue), when you refuse to give money to terrorists. Boycott of imports to Russia. If they don't want to respect civilized rules, they shouldn't get goods and services from civilization."
((NARRATOR))
In recent weeks, the White House has quietly made the rounds to oil producers the U.S. usually keeps at arm’s length, including Russia-friendly Venezuela, to discuss alternative sources of oil. White House officials have also met with Saudi and Iranian officials – and those discussions hinge on much more than oil, Psaki said.
((Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary))
“The most important reason why we are focused and have been focused on having these discussions with the Iranians and our P5+1 partners is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. That is why we're in these deals, these negotiations, we are getting closer, there are still important components to work through. But certainly the discussion of oil is a part of that. But the most important reason is to prevent them from acquiring a nuclear weapon.”
((NARRATOR))
Meanwhile, along the Ukrainian-Belarussian border Monday, Russian and Ukrainian delegations met for a third round of talks that both sides said made little progress.
((Vladimir Medinsky, Head of Russian Delegation))
"I'm telling you honestly that our expectations from the talks have failed, but we hope that we would be able to make a more significant step forward next time. The talks will continue."
((NARRATOR))
But in this uncertain time, one thing is unwavering: Ukrainians’ resolve. Champion heavyweight boxer turned Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko is among those holding the line outside the capital against a Russian advance.
((Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv Mayor))
“Every house, every street, every checkpoint, we will fight to the death if necessary. No one wants to die, but, if necessary, we will protect most of all our children, our families."
((NARRATOR))
Harsh words as this conflict stares down a third week, while the world watches.
((Anita Powell, VOA News, the White House))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)The White House
Embargo DateMarch 7, 2022 21:24 EST
BylineAnita Powell
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
