The European Commission moved to speed up its plan to end Russian fossil fuel imports, a decision driven by the war in Ukraine now dragging past three years. This announcement came after a call between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump, who repeatedly pressed for economic restrictions on Russia.

Von der Leyen confirmed that she and Trump had discussed advancing joint responses to Russia. She said, “Von der Leyen said that she had a call with Trump on strengthening joint efforts to increase economic pressure on Russia through additional measures.”

EU TO UNVEIL NEW SANCTIONS

Von der Leyen said in a post on X that the Commission will soon present its 19th sanctions package, targeting crypto, banks and energy.

She further confirmed a proposal to speed up withdrawal from Russian fossil energy sources. “The Commission will propose speeding up the phase-out of Russian fossil imports,” she added.

Sanctions remain in place, but the EU still imports large volumes of Russian liquefied natural gas and enriched uranium. The EU had set a target to end Russian oil and gas imports by January 1, 2028.

Washington has increased its calls for Europe to introduce stricter actions that might reduce Russia’s ability to sustain the war. Trump has pressed the EU to apply severe tariffs to India and China, the main recipients of Russian oil, and to end its own Russian energy purchases.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that future American tariffs on Chinese and Indian products will depend on European Union steps. “US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said the Trump administration would not impose additional levies on Chinese goods to halt China’s purchases of Russian oil unless EU nations first hit China and India with punitive duties of their own.”

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With inputs from agencies