The US and European Union officials are discussing options to reduce Russia's revenue from oil sales.
This is stated in an article by Bloomberg, reports "Radio Svoboda".
Thus, were discussed options for the complete ban on supply, setting a price threshold and use a special settlement mechanism that will reduce the revenue of the Russian Federation. According to a Bloomberg source, the purpose of the negotiations is to find out what "the strongest possible blow" can be inflicted on the president of the aggressor country, Vladimir Putin.
One of the US fears is that the ban on oil imports into the EU could lead to a sharp rise in commodity prices and bring the Kremlin even more revenue.
According to sources, the EU may put forward its proposals for discussion next week. According to one of the interlocutors of the publication, it will be easier for the EU countries to reach a consensus on limiting oil imports than on the embargo on diesel fuel and other products.
The day before, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that a sharp embargo on Russian gas would not stop the war in Ukraine, but would only lead to a serious economic crisis in Germany and throughout Europe. He added that the embargo could affect the entire European economy, which would create difficulties in financing the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Mer also said that the embargo on Russian gas is not yet being discussed as possible sanctions against Russia. He added that the ban on gas from Russia could halt the economies of several countries.
Most EU countries are taking measures to reduce imports of Russian energy to limit the Kremlin's ability to finance the war. Only Hungary unequivocally refuses to do so. In March, EU leaders pledged to cut 66 percent of Russia's gas consumption by the end of this year and break the bloc's dependence on Russian energy resources by 2027. Russian oil is already banned by the United States and Britain.
Minister of Finance of Austria, Magnus Brunner said the country is ready to support all anti-Russian sanctions except the gas embargo.