The EU is ready to expand sanctions on oil from Russia without the participation of the United States

The EU intends to independently decide on the expansion of sanctions on Russian oil supplies, regardless of the position of the United States. 

The EU's special Envoy for sanctions, David O'Sullivan, said that Brussels would prefer to agree on lowering the oil price ceiling with its partners at the G7 summit in Canada. However, if Washington does not support this initiative, the EU will consider including such measures in the new sanctions package, as additional restrictions, in its opinion, will bring significant benefits.

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said earlier that the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia would include a ban on the use of Nord Streams, new restrictions on banks and tankers, a complete refusal to purchase Russian oil and a reduction in the price ceiling. The sanctions will also affect 22 companies from Russia, Belarus, China and other countries to make it more difficult to circumvent the restrictions. At the same time, measures against the Russian nuclear industry are not envisaged.

The European Commission expects to approve the initiatives before the EU and NATO summits at the end of June. Von der Leyen stressed the importance of coordination with the United States and maintains contacts with Senator Lindsey Graham, the author of the latest bill on new sanctions against Russia.