Washington imposed a ban on the import of Russian oil and gas

US President Joe Biden has imposed new sanctions against Russia. He connected the measures taken with the operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, the speech of the President of the States was broadcast on YouTube.

The new package of measures is “continuing to hold Russia to account.” In particular, the United States imposed a ban on the import of Russian oil. “The decision to ban the import of Russian oil and gas will hit the United States itself, but Washington believes it must take this step,” the American president said.

He acknowledged that gasoline prices will rise after this decision. The operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine “harms American families at the gas station,” Biden said and urged oil companies not to participate in excessive price increases.

He also added that “the United States understands that allies in Europe will not be able to join the ban on energy imports from the Russian Federation.”

According to the US leader, the United States and its allies continue to supply weapons to Ukraine on a daily basis and increase humanitarian aid. The US will also share responsibility for caring for refugees from Ukraine, Biden added.

Earlier, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak noted that the rejection of Russian oil would lead to catastrophic consequences for the world market and cause a jump in prices to $300 per barrel or more.

Recall that on February 21, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR), and on February 24 he made an emergency appeal to the Russians and announced a special military operation in Donbass. In his speech, he stated that “circumstances require decisive action from Russia” and stressed that “Russia will not allow Ukraine to have nuclear weapons.”