Invasion of Ukraine: the United States will ban imports of Russian oil

Europe 1 4:02 p.m., March 08, 2022

Under pressure from American elected officials, President Joe Biden will announce an embargo on Russian oil imports into the United States on Tuesday, in response to the invasion of Ukraine, several media reported on Tuesday.

The head of state is due to speak at 3:45 p.m. GMT (4:45 p.m. French time) to "announce actions aimed at sanctioning Russia for its unjustified and unprovoked war" against Ukraine, the White House said on Tuesday.

Europe more dependent on Russian supplies

Joe Biden thus stands out from his European counterparts, who have so far refused an embargo.

Europe as a whole is much more dependent on Russian supplies, which represent 40% of its natural gas needs and around 30% for oil.

On the other hand, only 8% of American imports of crude oil and petroleum products came from Russia in 2021. In addition, the United States does not import Russian gas.

Initially reluctant to the idea of ​​an embargo, which risks further accelerating inflation in the United States, Joe Biden was put under pressure by Congress, where a consensus had been reached on Monday to submit to a vote a bill to this effect.

"It's the right decision to make," said Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz on CNBC.

"The next step is to work with Europe to do the same thing, wean itself off Russian oil and gas."

For Ted Cruz, the embargo is "a way to stop (Russian President Vladimir) Putin where he is vulnerable. (...) All his income comes from the sale of oil and gas. If you deprive him , that's how you stop the war in Europe."

“We are going to see an increase in fuel prices here in the United States,” warned CNN, Democratic Senator from Delaware Chris Coons, and “in Europe, they are going to see dramatic increases. defense of freedom and support for the Ukrainian people".