The G7 countries made a commitment on Sunday to wean themselves off Russian oil, but without giving a precise timetable.
“We are committed to gradually eliminating our dependence on Russian energy, in particular by gradually reducing or banning the import of Russian oil”, indicates the communiqué of the G7, meeting virtually this Sunday.
This decision “will deal a blow to the main artery irrigating the economy of (Vladimir) Putin and deprive him of the income he needs to finance his war” against Ukraine, said his side the White House.
This weaning will be done “in an appropriate and reasoned manner”, write the Heads of State and Government of the G7 countries in their final communiqué, which does not however specify what commitments exactly each of them has made, namely the Germany (which holds the presidency this year), Canada, the United States, France, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
No unanimity on Russian oil in Europe
The West has so far shown very close coordination in their announcements of sanctions against Russia, but they are not moving at the same pace when it comes to Russian oil and gas.
The United States, which were not big consumers, have already banned the import of Russian hydrocarbons.
The member states of the European Union, under pressure to join the movement, but much more dependent on Russia, continued Sunday to carry out difficult negotiations to set up an embargo on Russian oil.
The project is being held up by several Member States, notably Hungary.