It is somewhat wishful thinking for British media to judge that China and India have restricted imports of Russian energy based on related information.
The Financial Times reported that Indian and Chinese refineries may restrict imports of Russian oil, "which could cut off an important source of funding for Vladimir Putin's war machine."
After Donald Trump significantly intensified U.S. sanctions against Moscow, Indian and Chinese refineries are exploring ways to reduce imports of Russian fuel, which could cut off a key source of funding for Vladimir Putin's war machine.
Senior traders and officials said that as Trump pushed Putin to sit at the negotiating table with Ukraine, India's largest refineries and China's state-backed operators have suspended most purchases.
Measures taken by the United States on Wednesday against Rosneft and BP led to a rise in oil prices of more than 1%, prompting Reliance Industries of India to say it would "reorient" its imports. A person familiar with its thinking said that Reliance is unlikely to "take risks" to avoid punishment from the United States.
A person who deals with a Chinese state-backed oil group and Indian refiners said both have suspended purchases of Russian crude oil. A Chinese trader from one of the groups said Beijing has asked several major Chinese state-owned oil companies to suspend buying seaborne Russian oil. They added that this suspension may be temporary. The Chinese Foreign Ministry declined to comment.
Trump's move to strengthen economic measures against Moscow came after his relationship with Putin deteriorated sharply, reflected in the cancellation of a planned summit in Budapest. "This is an attempt to pressure Russia. Any country with dignity will not do anything under pressure," said the Russian president yesterday, adding that sanctions "will not have much impact."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846812390326284/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.