US, European allies, Japan discuss ban on Russian oil imports

The United States, its European partners, and Japan are considering banning Russian oil imports.

On Sunday (6), US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said discussions on the topic had been “very lively”.

“We are now in very active discussions with our European partners about banning Russian oil imports into our country, while, of course, maintaining a stable global supply of oil,” Blinken said in an interview with NBC TV.

In the same vein, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a letter published Sunday evening that the House of Representatives is “considering” legislation to ban the import of Russian oil and that the US Congress intends to pass $10 billion this week in aid to Ukraine in response to the military invasion of Moscow.

Blinken, who is on a European tour to coordinate with allies over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, added that he discussed oil imports with President Joe Biden and his government on Saturday.

Blinken’s comments come amid a sharp rise in oil prices and after the United States and its allies imposed sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Asked whether the United States has ruled out a unilateral embargo on Russian oil imports, Blinken said: “I wouldn’t rule out taking action one way or the other, no matter what they do, but in everything we do, the approach begins with coordination. allies and partners.” .