US Does Not Want Anyone Buying Russian Oil, Says Ambassador Sergio Gor

Why It Matters

The statement adds diplomatic pressure on oil‑importing nations, potentially tightening sanctions on Russia and reshaping global energy flows, while reinforcing the deepening strategic partnership between the United States and India.

Key Takeaways

• US opposes all purchases of Russian oil globally
• India diversifying crude sources amid US pressure
• Interim India‑US trade pact nearing finalization
• Trump urges energy decoupling to hasten Ukraine peace

Pulse Analysis

The United States has intensified its campaign to isolate Russian energy revenues, a strategy that gained renewed vigor under President Donald Trump’s administration. By publicly declaring that no nation should buy Russian oil, Washington aims to choke a critical funding stream for Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine. This diplomatic stance dovetails with existing sanctions, export controls, and price caps that have already reshaped global oil markets, prompting buyers to seek alternative supplies and driving price volatility. The message signals to oil‑exporting countries that continued trade with Russia could invite secondary sanctions, thereby influencing procurement decisions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

India’s response reflects a careful balancing act between energy security and geopolitical alignment. Over the past year, New Delhi has accelerated its diversification away from Russian crude, turning to the United States, the Gulf, and African producers to meet the needs of its 1.4‑billion‑person population. Gor’s remarks, delivered at the Global AI Impact Summit, underscore the broader context of an imminent interim trade deal that would deepen Indo‑US economic ties and facilitate technology transfers. The AI summit itself, hailed as a success, illustrates how strategic dialogue now spans energy, trade, and emerging technologies, reinforcing a partnership that extends beyond traditional defense cooperation.

The broader market implications are significant. If more countries heed the US warning, Russian oil exports could contract, tightening global supply and potentially lifting crude prices, especially in regions still reliant on Moscow’s barrels. Energy firms will need to navigate compliance complexities, as secondary sanctions risk penalizing entities that continue Russian transactions. Meanwhile, the anticipated India‑US trade pact may open new avenues for American LNG and refined product exports, further shifting trade flows. Analysts will watch how quickly the diplomatic pressure translates into measurable reductions in Russian oil shipments and how the evolving Indo‑US relationship reshapes the competitive landscape for global energy and technology markets.

US does not want anyone buying Russian oil, says Ambassador Sergio Gor

By ETEnergyWorld Desk · Published on Feb 21, 2026 at 07:52 AM IST

Sergio Gor, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of India.

The United States does not want any country purchasing Russian oil as it pushes for an end to the Ukraine conflict, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Friday, according to ANI.

Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the Global AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Gor said Washington has taken note of India’s efforts to diversify its crude sourcing but reiterated that the broader US position is against continued purchases of Russian energy.

“On oil, there’s an agreement. We have seen India diversify on their oil. There is a commitment. This is not about India. The United States doesn’t want anyone buying Russian oil. The President’s been very clear on this, he wants this war to end. And so anyone who is in a way still involved with that conflict is something that the President wants to see come to an end in hopes of peace coming with that,” Gor said.

The remarks come as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged countries to reduce energy ties with Russia as part of efforts to broker peace between Moscow and Kyiv. Officials from the current US administration have also called for halting Russian oil exports.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has maintained that diversifying energy sourcing in line with market conditions and evolving global dynamics remains central to ensuring energy security for its population of 1.4 billion.

Responding to a question on the proposed interim India‑US trade deal, Gor said discussions were progressing and the signing would take place soon.

“The signing will happen very soon. In fact even this week we have both teams are talking to each other and actively getting to a place where both will be able to sign. We’re not dealing with a small country, this is one of the biggest economies. And so we’re thrilled that the interim deal is done. You have the few tweaking points that are left to do but it’s done. So the signing will happen sooner than later,” he said.

Gor also described the AI summit as “highly successful” and praised the deepening engagement between New Delhi and Washington, ANI reported.