Sanctions against Russia: the United States intensifies sanctions against Putin with the prohibition of importing Russian oil | International
The Joe Biden Administration has decided to prohibit the importation of Russian oil into the United States, according to sources close to the Government quoted by the local press. This decision represents a momentous step forward in the sanctions strategy that the West has adopted for the invasion of Ukraine. Washington adopts this measure alone, since the European allies have for the moment rejected a punishment that also entails significant damage to their own economies, much more dependent than the United States on Russian crude.
The United States has been evaluating the embargo for days, a lethal blow to the economy of the Eurasian giant. Congress has pressured the Government in that direction, with a bipartite bill that was scheduled to be put to the vote this week. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Monday that "no decision" had yet been made and admitted that the implications on both sides of the Atlantic are not the same.
"Russian imports account for about a third of all oil imports from Europe," he noted. "In 2021, before the invasion, the United States imported about 700,000 barrels a day and the Europeans about 4.5 million barrels a day, so we are well aware that the implications would be very different for one and the other," he stressed. .
The White House plans to announce the measure on Tuesday, advanced first by the Bloomberg agency, with an appearance by Biden at 10:45 in the morning (local time). The market has been buzzing about this possibility for days now. On Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken explained in a television interview that the United States was discussing "intensely" with European partners on this matter, although Germany made it clear on Monday that it did not intend to veto the oil. Even so, the price of gas and black gold went haywire.
This Tuesday, from Tallinn, Blinken has summoned European countries to gain energy autonomy from Russia. "It is imperative that there is finally a movement to reduce that dependency," stressed the head of US diplomacy.
Join EL PAÍS to follow all the news and read without limits.
subscribe
For the United States, which is experiencing the worst rise in inflation in 40 years, the measure is not innocuous, since this Russian crude still represents 10% of imports and the global repercussions also take their toll on the prospects of companies. The selective S&P index of the New York Stock Exchange fell 3% on Monday, the worst drop since October 2020, weighed down by the prospects of an embargo.
Even so, Biden had been feeling pressure from Republican and Democratic lawmakers for weeks to adopt a measure that hits the heart of Russia's economy, which has put Europe in a crisis unprecedented since World War II.
Follow all the international information in Facebook and Twitteror in our weekly newsletter.
Author Profile
- Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.
My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.
I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.
Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.
At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.
