“Two months ago, no one thought sanctions on Russian oil would be possible,” French President Emmanuel Macron said at a press conference.
This is a turning point in the sanctions against the Russian economy.
For the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine, European leaders are attacking the sinews of war, black gold, oil, the money from the sale of which largely finances the military operations decided by the Russian president. Vladimir Putin since February 24, 2022.
This embargo on Russian oil was proposed a month ago by the European Commission.
“There have been speculations about the lack of unity of the European Union explains Charles Michel, the President of the European Council.
More than ever, it is important to show that we are capable of being strong, that we are capable of being firm, that we are capable of being tough to defend our values, to defend our interests”.
Read alsoEmbargo on Russian oil: the European Union reaches an agreement but gives in to blackmail from Hungary
However, the agreement does not provide for an embargo on oil imported by the Druzhba pipeline which links Russia to Hungary in particular.
This Eastern European country depends for 65% of its consumption on Russian oil transported by this pipeline.
The EU therefore yielded to the blackmail of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban who refused to include this pipeline in the embargo agreements.
