This was reported by CNN.

In the event of an invasion of Ukraine, US sanctions against Russia will not affect the energy sector.

"We are trying to do everything possible to have different options for further action. And we will not use all the opportunities at once. The energy part is an extreme option, but only when it becomes necessary. We do not think this is the most important thing right now. I always want to keep something in reserve", - three US officials told CNN.

At the same time, US officials fear rising gasoline prices in the United States and, consequently, an outbreak of popular discontent.

White House officials say there is a clear correlation between President Joe Biden's approval rating and gasoline prices. But experts warn that avoiding harsh measures aimed at Russia's energy sector, which could affect world oil markets and oil prices, could mean that sanctions will not be strong enough to deter Putin.

"It will be very difficult to cause serious economic damage to Russia without affecting the energy market", - Edward Fishman said, a former State Department spokesman who is now a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

"Oil and gas make up 40 percent of Russia's budget. The United States and Europe may take steps in advance to curb side effects, but if they plan to impose severe economic sanctions on Russia, they will not be able to completely avoid the energy sector, "said Edward Fishman.

The White House reports that Russia's military potential on the border with Ukraine is "deadly" than the 2014 invasion of Crimea.

Read also: Russia has received signals about the consequences of a new invasion of Ukraine - the French Foreign Ministry

In addition, the Biden administration's relationship with its European allies could deter the White House from attacking Russian energy companies. This is due to the fact that Russia is the largest exporter of oil and natural gas to the European Union. If tough sanctions are imposed on Russia, the United States will have serious problems with oil and gas supplies in the near future.

"I predict it will hit us hard in the face, but you know, never say never", - was informed by Atlantic Council spokeswoman Julia Friedlander when asked about potential sanctions on Russia's energy markets.

Experts note that the Biden administration should play the strongest role in diplomatic talks between Ukraine and Russia before it is too late.

"Now is the time for maximum pressure before Putin decides to attack Ukraine. If Russian troops cross the border and the West imposes sanctions, the game is over. We lost. We do not want to get to that. That is why it is so important that the threat of sanctions is serious and credible. This should change Putin's analysis of the costs and benefits of invading Ukraine", - Fishman said.

Read also: Russian troops at the border: bluff or threat of attack

Adviser to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky supported this opinion, CNN reported.

The President's Office believes that it is useless to impose sanctions only after the Russian invasion. Some sanctions must be imposed in advance to force Russia to retreat.

What is known

• The United States is planning talks with a number of NATO and Russian countries to discuss, among other things, further steps toward de-escalation.
• US Army General Mark Millie considers Russia's open aggression a threat to the security of the United States and NATO member states.
• On Tuesday, December 7, US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin was held a online negotiation on Ukraine and other important issues amid Western fears and a possible escalation of the military conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

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