The EU Preps to Impose Embargo on Russian Oil Purchases

The European Commission may not oblige Hungary and Slovakia to support the embargo on the purchase of Russian oil. Two sources told Reuters. The European Commission plans on Tuesday to finalize the sixth package of sanctions against Russia, which will include a ban on the purchase of Russian oil. Hungary and Slovakia are extremely dependent on Russian supplies. Previously, Hungary repeatedly stated that it would not support sanctions affecting energy supplies. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Twitter thanked Slovakia for supporting Kyiv, which may be a sign of understanding of the country's position. The EU accounts for almost half of Russia's oil and petroleum product exports; Russia provides 26% of the EU's oil consumption. Germany, the largest purchaser of Russian oil in the EU, has long refused to consider an embargo, but has now stated that it will be able to solve the problem of oil supply. In 2021, Russia supplied 35% of the oil consumed by Germany, but in recent weeks the figure has dropped to 12%. The oil embargo is expected to take full effect early next year. Голос Америки