EU proposes gradual ban on Russian oil in sixth round of sanctions against Moscow

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a news conference with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Brussels, Belgium, February 27, 2022.

The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, on Wednesday put forward new sanctions against the Kremlin which will include a phase out of Russian crude imports.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine and evidence of war crimes have pushed the EU to take bolder steps on energy sanctions. Russian energy supplies to the EU have been a difficult task for the bloc.

The region is dependent on Russia for several sources of energy. Russian oil imports accounted for 25% of the bloc's crude purchases in 2020.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a press conference that it would not be easy.

Some Member States are dependent on Russian oil. We have to work on it. We want to ban Russian oil. This will be a complete ban on imports of Russian oil, crude and refined products.

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