The European Union was preparing sanctions on Russian oil on Monday, with possible exemptions for wary countries, and warned that complying in full with Moscow's proposed scheme to receive gas payments in roubles would breach existing EU sanctions.
The European Commission is expected to propose a sixth package of EU sanctions this week against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, including a potential embargo on buying Russian oil - a measure that would deprive Moscow of a large revenue stream, but that has so far divided EU countries.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.
Austrian climate and energy minister Leonore Gewessler said Vienna would agree to oil sanctions if other countries did. Russia cut gas supply to Bulgaria and Poland last week for refusing to comply with its payment scheme, raising fears that other countries could be next. Moscow has said foreign gas buyers must deposit euros or dollars into an account at privately owned Russian bank Gazprombank, which would convert them into roubles.
European capitals have split over whether to engage with the mechanism at all, as the EU struggles to forge a united response.
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