The United States and the rest of the world face a conundrum. Crude oil prices are above $100 for the first time in nearly eight years amid tight market conditions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. If the West were to impose embargoes on Russia’s oil and gas exports, which are an immense source of revenue for the Kremlin, energy prices would spike. JPMorgan Chase analysts estimate that the cost for a barrel of oil could average $110 in the second quarter, should the Ukraine-Russia conflict escalate further. But other Wall Street firms forecast that West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude prices could easily top $120 barrel if the situation in Eastern Europe intensifies. This is where President Vladimir Putin maintains “a systemic advantage” over the worldwide economy, says Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh. “We’re not going to do anything which causes an unintended disruption to the flow of …