World must end addiction to Russian oil and gas: UK PM Boris Johnson

Johnson endorsed his trip to the Gulf, announcing his mission is to build “the strongest, widest possible coalition” to ensure that Putin does not succeed.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a mission to construct an international coalition against Russia and get off reliance on its oil and gas exports in revolt against the war with Ukraine, as he confirmed a visit to the Gulf region on Wednesday.

Johnson is going to meet with leaders in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh for conversations on energy, regional security and humanitarian assistance as part of what Downing Street described as the UK’s steps to galvanize global action on the problem in Ukraine.

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The leaders are anticipated to talk about efforts to enhance energy security and decrease volatility in global energy and food prices in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

“The violent and unprovoked attack President Putin has declared on Ukraine will have far-reaching outcomes for the world, well beyond Europe’s borders,” Johnson told ahead of his visit.

“The UK is constructing an international coalition to deal with the new truth we face. The world must wean itself off Russian hydrocarbons and starve Putin’s dependence on oil and gas. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are key international partners in that action. We will operate with them to ensure regional security, support the humanitarian relief effort and establish global energy markets for the longer term,” he told.

Johnson will have talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before reaching Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Johnson endorsed his trip to the country, announcing his mission is to build “the strongest, widest possible coalition” to ensure that Putin does not succeed.

Last week, the UK government declared plans to phase out imports of Russian oil commodities by the end of 2022 and a probable ban on natural gas from the country. Western action against Russia has sent oil prices shooting up amid supply tensions.