US Rejects EU Proposal to Block Russian Oil Shipments

Istanbul (ANTARA) - The European Union (EU) failed to secure support from the United States (US) and other G7 nations for a coordinated effort to block Russian oil shipments in its proposed 20th sanctions package.

Speaking to Russian news agency Tass, a diplomat said in Brussels on Monday (23/2) that the EU had presented the proposal to the US and G7 as part of an expansion of restrictions on Russian oil transportation and shipping services.

“The EU presented to the US and G7 a plan to fully ban European companies from transporting Russian oil and from providing maintenance, supply, financing, and insurance services for tankers carrying Russian oil, regardless of their flag,” said the diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“The European Commission invited partners to impose similar restrictions. The United States declined,” the diplomat said.

The source added that it remained possible the US would impose its own measures under its own terms in due course.

“Other G7 partners stated that joining EU sanctions was possible, but gave no clear commitments,” the source said.

Since the Ukraine war erupted in February 2022, Russia has become the most sanctioned country in the world, surpassing Iran, Syria, and North Korea.

According to sanctions tracking databases, more than 16,500 restrictive measures have been imposed against Russian individuals, entities, vessels, and aircraft.