The Trump administration has been adamantly opposed to Russian energy projects, such as the Nord Stream II pipeline to Germany, because of the leverage it would give over Europe. (Zach Gibson/Bloomberg)
Washington Examiner: Ryan Zinke: Naval blockade is an option for dealing with Russia
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke says the U.S. Navy can blockade Russia if needed to keep it from controlling energy supplies in the Middle East as it does in Europe.
"The United States has that ability, with our Navy, to make sure the sea lanes are open, and, if necessary, to blockade ... to make sure that their energy does not go to market," Zinke said on Friday at an industry event in Pittsburgh hosted by the Consumer Energy Alliance.
He was there to explain why hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and the shale energy boom has given the U.S. an edge over its rivals Russia and Iran, by making the U.S. less dependent on foreign sources of energy.
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WNU Editor: This is an incredibly stupid remark from a U.S. cabinet official. A U.S. naval blockade of Russian energy exports will be seen by Russia as a declaration of war. No "ifs or buts" about it.
Update: Russia's reaction is blunt .... Naval blockade would mean ‘war’: Moscow slams US idea of hampering Russian trade (RT).
