Ukraine war drives US, EU deal to undercut Russian energy

By RAF CASERT
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden is offering a major expansion of natural gas shipments to Europe amid the risks from Russia’s war in Ukraine. Biden told European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday that the core issue is “helping Europe reduce its dependency on Russian gas as quickly as possible.” Europe relies on Moscow for 40% of the natural gas it needs to heat homes, generate electricity and drive industry. Under the plan, the U.S. and a few like-minded partners will increase exports of liquefied natural gas to Europe. But U.S. export facilities are already operating at capacity, and Europe may struggle to receive those shipments.