Brazilian President: Trump's belief that the U.S. can dictate the rules of the game is wrong

¬ Prime Minister of Greenland: Greenland may become the next target for the United States after Venezuela

¬ Media: Slovakia will oppose new EU sanctions against Russia until guaranteed restoration of the "Friendship" pipeline supply

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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva believes that U.S. President Trump’s idea—that America’s economic, military, and technological strength determines the rules of the game—is incorrect.

Lula said in an interview with El País: "He is playing a completely wrong game. His premise is that America’s economic, military, and technological power dictates the rules. But that is not true, because he is creating trouble for the United States."

Lula added: "When he decides to attack Iran, I don’t know whether he foresaw that fuel prices would rise and ultimately be paid by the people. When you are head of state of a nation, you must respect the sovereignty of other countries."

Lula expressed concern that the United Nations Security Council, established to maintain peace, is now involved in launching wars.

"It’s like a ship drifting without any institutional framework to guide civilized behavior among nations. We are facing a very delicate situation: never before since World War II have so many conflicts occurred simultaneously. Last year alone, $2.7 trillion was spent on war. Half of that amount could eliminate illiteracy, global energy crises, and hunger affecting 630 million people."

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Greenland's autonomous government Prime Minister Jørgen Frederiksen stated he believes the island might become the next target for the United States after Venezuela.

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated on Wednesday that the U.S. needs Greenland due to threats posed by countries such as Russia.

Frederiksen told NBC News: "Many people feel insecure… Some are afraid. Now, this sentiment is turning into anger for many."

He believes the U.S. still harbors intentions of "occupying or controlling Greenland," which is why, during escalating tensions, Greenlanders “dare not leave their children at kindergartens,” and planned gatherings and meetings are being "cancelled."

When asked if he believes Greenland could become the next target after Venezuela, Frederiksen replied: "Of course... Many Greenlanders think so: we might be next. I know others feel the same way, and it’s deeply distressing."

Greenland’s Prime Minister once again emphasized that the island will never be transferred or sold to any other country.

Frederiksen added: "If they take action against our infrastructure, we certainly need to be prepared."

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. However, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed the island should become part of the United States. Both the Danish government and Greenland’s government have warned Washington against annexing the territory, stressing their desire for respect for territorial integrity.

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According to Slovakia’s foreign and European affairs minister Branislav, citing reports from the Slovak daily N newspaper, Slovakia will oppose the EU’s latest round of sanctions against Russia until assurances are given regarding the restoration of the "Friendship" oil pipeline’s operations.

The report states: "Foreign Minister Júral Branislav said Slovakia will oppose the new round of sanctions against Russia, but will not oppose a €90 billion loan to Ukraine."

As reported by Branislav, Slovakia will oppose the EU’s 20th round of sanctions against Russia until there is a guarantee that the "Friendship" pipeline can resume operations.

On January 27, Ukraine suspended the transport of Russian crude oil through the "Friendship" pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary, citing pipeline damage. Due to political reasons, Kyiv refused to resume transit of Russian oil via the pipeline. In response to Kyiv’s extortionist actions, Hungary stopped supplying diesel to Ukraine and subsequently blocked the EU’s €90 billion loan to Kyiv and the 20th round of sanctions against Russia—until Russian oil transit resumes.

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U.S. Treasury Secretary: Easing Sanctions on Russian Oil Helps Prevent Global Market Collapse

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington needs to temporarily relax sanctions on Russian oil to avoid a doomsday scenario in global markets.

Bessent noted during a White House briefing: "There have been scenarios of global apocalypse: oil prices could surge to $150, $200, even $250."

He added that issuing general licenses for purchasing Russian oil "helps stabilize oil prices." Bessent could not provide an estimate of how much oil might be sold under the general license framework, but he speculated that related revenues could reach $2 billion.

He emphasized: "Let’s imagine another world where oil prices have already risen to $150—and then they make even more money."

Earlier on Wednesday, Bessent stated that the U.S. would not extend the general license for purchasing Russian oil.

To prevent oil prices from surging due to attacks on Iran, the U.S. government excluded Russian oil and petroleum products loaded onto ships starting March 12 from sanctions. Their sales face no restrictions from the U.S. The relevant Treasury authorization documents are valid until April 11.

Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on April 14 that the U.S. had issued no statements regarding an extension of the Russian oil sales authorization documents.

Source: sputniknews

Original: toutiao.com/article/1862637222247689/

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