The head of the European Union on Wednesday proposed to member states a complete ban on Russian oil as part of the bloc's sixth sanctions package to be levied against Russia over its war in Ukraine.
"This will be a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament.
Von der Leyen said the plan will see a complete phase out of Russian crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of the year, giving member states time to secure alternative supply routes and to minimize the impact the shift will have on global markets.
The ban, she said, will maximize pressure on Russia while minimizing collateral damage to member states and their partners worldwide.
"To help Ukraine, our own economy has to remain strong," she said.
The 27-member bloc had vowed in March to reduce dependency on Russian energy and banned Russian coal early last month as part of its fifth sanctions package against the Kremlin.
The EU head addressed in her remarks to parliament on Wednesday that the oil ban will be difficult with some member states greatly dependent upon Russia for their energy supply.
According to a report produced by the union last month, 27% of its oil imports, 40% of its total gas consumption and 46% of its coal came from Russia with energy accounting for 62% of EU total imports from the country at a cost of $104 billion.
"Let's be clear: It will not be easy because some member states are strongly dependent on Russian oil, but we simply have to do it," she said.
Along with the oil ban, the sanctions package also includes punitive measures imposed against high-ranking military officers and those responsible for the siege on the city of Mariupol and who've committed war crimes in Bucha, a city that has come to represent the brutality of Russia's war.
Early last month, the bodies of hundreds of civilians were found bloodied and strewn about the streets of Bucha after the retreat of Russian troops from the city.
Ukrainian prosecutors have filed charges against Russian soldiers for committing war crimes in the city near the capital Kyiv while the United Nations high commissioner of Human Rights said it documented during its one-day trip to the city unlawful killings, including summary executions of 50 civilians.
Von der Leyen said hitting those who committed war crimes in Bucha and the siege of Mariupol with sanctions "sends another important signal to all perpetrators of the Kremlin's war: We know who you are, and you will be held accountable."
