The European Union says leaders will meet at a summit this week to discuss ways to phase out the EU’s dependency on Russian fossil fuels as it seeks to punish Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The EU currently imports about half of its coal and gas from Russia, and about a third of its oil. In Washington, D.C., White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Monday President Biden had not yet reached a decision on whether to ban U.S. imports of Russian oil.
Press Secretary Jen Psaki: “I would note that what the president is most focused on is ensuring we are continuing to take steps to deliver punishing economic consequences on Putin, while taking all action necessary to limit the impact to prices at the gas pump.”
Over the weekend, the Biden administration sent a delegation to Venezuela to explore easing oil sanctions as it searches for new sources of energy to replace Russian fossil fuels.