The United States has said that it would increase sanctions against Russia after Europe stops buying Russian oil. Of course, the point being that Russia’s oil sales help finance its war against Ukraine.

The point made about Europe buying oil from Russia is valid. There are many other sources Europe could buy from. But due to lower delivery cost for Russian oil and Russia’s need for cash, Russian oil is cheaper. Still, does that justify Europeans buying Russian oil? Should the United States need to pressure Europe into this policy?

There is another point. Why should the United States choose to base its increased sanctions against Russia on Europe’s consumption of Russian oil? Why doesn’t the United States simply increase its sanctions regardless of European oil consumption?

Europe has already provided more support to Ukraine than has the United States. Current U.S. support consists only of selling weapons, presumably at a profit, to the Europeans for use in Ukraine.

The U.S. cannot claim that we have been the primary source of support for Ukraine and we are therefore morally “off the hook” for further financial support for Ukraine.