Sharjah24 – AFP: The European Commission proposed a gradual ban on Russian oil imports Wednesday to punish Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine, as Russian forces pounded sites to the east of the country and hit targets in the far west near the EU border.
The EU also pledged to "significantly increase" its support for Moldova, Ukraine's neighbour that has seen a series of attacks in a Moscow-backed separatist region, sparking fears it could be drawn into the conflict.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced the bloc would "phase out Russian supply of crude oil within six months, and refined products by the end of the year".
If approved, the oil ban would be the EU's toughest move yet against Russia's strategic energy sector that helps the Kremlin finance its war, but will still not touch its huge gas exports.
Hungary and Slovakia, both hugely dependent on Russian oil, would be given more time to meet the ban under the proposed plan, which will need unanimous approval before going into effect.
The proposed new sanctions also include moves against Russia's biggest bank, Sberbank, and the targeting of Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.
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