VILINUS, Lithuania, May 4 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney Thursday accused Russia of using its energy resources as a political weapon, saying such attempts would have few benefits.
"No legitimate interest is served when oil and gas become tools of intimidation or blackmail, either by supply manipulation or attempts to monopolize transportation," he told Eastern European leaders in Lithuania.
The comments, perhaps the strongest against the Russian government of President Vladimir Putin by a U.S. official, come following increasing fears in Europe that Russia is using its vast energy resources to its political advantage.
Earlier this year, state-owned gas giant Gazprom cut off supplies -- temporarily - to Ukraine over a pricing dispute, a move that also affected gas flow to Europe. Russia has been accused of using its energy resources as a bargaining chip against former allies who are now looking West diplomatically.
Gazprom counters that it is only bringing the energy rates it offers its former allies up to market levels.
Cheney's comments came at the Vilnius Conference, which brought together leaders of the Baltic and Black Sea nations.
