USA Today quotes Transatlantic Relations Program Nonresident Senior Fellow Adrian Karatnycky on new sanctions imposed against Russia by the European Union:
Adrian Karatnycky, an analyst at the Atlantic Council, said European countries dependent on Russian gas worry that Russian President Vladimir Putin could respond with economic penalties of his own.
“There would be a problem for European industry in several countries if Russia were to retaliate with energy sanctions,” he said. “What they fear is Putin shutting off gas supplies to Europe.”
He said the United States, which conducts much less trade with Russia, could take tougher steps, which might protect Europe from Russian retaliation.
“The U.S. could take the lead in economic sanctions but with a wink from Europe,” he said.