Doha Forum international conference
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on energy-producing countries on Saturday (March 26) to increase output so that Russia cannot use its oil and gas wealth to “blackmail” other nations.
Addressing the Doha Forum international conference via video link, Zelensky said countries such as Qatar could contribute to the stabilization of Europe.
“They can do much to restore justice. The future of Europe depends on your effort. I ask you to increase the output of energy to ensure that everyone in Russia understands that no country can use energy as a weapon and blackmail the world,” he said in translated comments.
The month-long invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Europe’s top gas supplier, has sharpened concerns of disruption to energy supplies and increased scrutiny of European Union countries’ reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Zelensky also said no country is insured against shocks from disruptions to food supply happening because Russia invaded his country. Ukraine is one of the world’s largest grain producers.
Reuters (Production Paul Warren, Jacqueline Clyne)