Thanasis Gavos, London
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson will travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia tonight.
His mission is to persuade Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with whom he has a warm relationship, to help increase oil market sales to keep black gold prices afloat in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Asked if this meant he was willing to form coalitions with “unpleasant regimes”, Mr Johnson rejected the description, saying: “It is vital if we are to resist Putin’s intimidation and avoid blackmail. to which many countries are unfortunately subject, to get rid (of dependence) of Russia’s hydrocarbons “.
He called President Putin a “steamer” that feeds Russia’s dependence on Russian oil and gas.
He added that the largest possible international coalition must be created to wean Europe from Russian hydrocarbons.
As he explained, this means strengthening Europe’s energy security in the long run, including by turning to green energy, but in the short term we need to end so much dependence on Russia.
Humanitarian groups in Britain have strongly condemned the execution of 81 men by the Saudi regime just last Saturday.
Saudi Arabia has been under constant scrutiny by human rights defenders in the United Kingdom, including for its role in the war and humanitarian tragedy in Yemen and the assassination of journalist Jamal Kasogi.
Earlier, a Downing Street spokesman said Boris Johnson would ask Riyadh to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Before returning to London on Thursday night, the British Prime Minister will visit the United Arab Emirates for the same reason.
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