The European Union is proposing a gradual ban on Russian oil, and has targeted more banks in a new set of sanctions announced this morning.
The plan, if agreed upon by EU governments, would include a six-month period of phasing out Russian oil. The measures also target three Russian banks, including the biggest Sberbank.
The sanctions are also aimed at the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Vladimir Gundyayev, known as Patriarch Kirill, who is an outspoken supporter of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“Let us be clear: it will not be easy,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a speech at the European Parliament Wednesday.
“Some member states are strongly dependent on Russian oil. But we simply have to work on it. We now propose a ban on Russian oil. This will be a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined.”
Attacks and shelling intensified in the eastern city of Luhansk overnight, killing at least 21 civilians and injuring 27, according to regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko.
Regional governor Serhiy Haida said the most dangerous area was Popasna, where it was impossible to organise evacuations.
“There are no safe cities in Luhansk region,” he said on Telegram.
Ten of the 21 dead were killed in the shelling of the Avdiivka coke plant, according to Kyrylenko, who calls the daily death toll the highest since a Russian strike on a train station in Kramatorsk about a month ago.
Meanwhile Ukrainian intelligence claims that Russia plans to hold a military parade in Mariupol on May 9.
Its Intelligence Directorate has reported that Russia is conducting “preparations for the parade,” by cleaning central streets from debris, unexploded ordnance and removing the bodies of those killed.
Ukraine’s President says that the country seeks full restoration of territory, including Crimea.
Speaking at the WSJ’s CEO Council Summit on May 3, President Zelensky said Ukraine’s goals are to halt Russia’s advance, reclaim territory, and to restore Ukraine’s entire territory through diplomacy.
“We are not retreating,” Zelensky told the summit via video conference. “Victory will be ours.”
