Russia’s energy minister hits back at Cheney

The Russian government has hit back at accusations by US vice-president Dick Cheney of using its energy resources as “tools of intimidation and blackmail”. It called on the west to recognise Russia’s progress towards market principles and democracy.

Writing in Monday’s Financial Times, Viktor Khristenko, the Russian energy minister, says Russia is “deeply puzzled by recent commentary in the west that distorts Russian energy policies”. He calls on international leaders to work together at the G8 summit Russia will host this summer to establish a plan to achieve global energy security.

Financial Times