US bans imports of Russian oil, gas, and coal
All imports of Russian oil, natural gas, and coal to the United States will be banned, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on March 8.
This measure will “deal a powerful blow to Putin’s war machine,” has strong bipartisan support from U.S. lawmakers, and reflects the way “Americans have rallied to support the Ukrainian people,” according to Biden.
“We will not be part of subsidizing Putin’s war,” the president said.
In 2021, Russia made up about 8% of U.S. energy imports.
Biden added that the United States is moving forward with the ban, even as some of its European allies are not in a position to do the same immediately. Washington is actively working with its allies and partners to find a workable, long-term solution to Europe’s dependence on Russian energy.
Reflecting Biden’s sentiment, the UK has pledged to phase out Russian oil and oil products by 2023.
Earlier reports by Bloomberg suggested that the EU intends to reduce imports of Russian gas by 80% this year, and eschew it completely “well before 2030.” The European Commission is expected to present its plan in regard to Russian energy on March 8.
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