The European Union Is Dependent On Russian Oil, But In Order To Help Ukraine Ukraine, They Are Ready To Remove That Dependence

Photo by Ursula von der Leyen via Twitter @EU_Commission

JAKARTA - Russia supplies 40 percent of gas supplies to the European Union (EU) and fulfills 26 percent of the European Union's oil imports. But now, they have agreed to take a big step, removing dependence on Russian oil.

This is the latest blow that European countries can give as punishment to Russia which has not stopped its invasion of Ukraine.

"Now we are overcoming our dependence on Russian oil. Let's be clear: it will not be easy," said EU President Ursula von der Leyen, quoted from the EU's official website, Wednesday, May 4.

Ursula von der Leyen was right, this step would not be easy. Not a few members of the European Union are very dependent on Russian oil.

Moreover, this deletion will cover imports in full. This means all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined oil.

"We will ensure that we phase out Russian oil in a way that will allow us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimize the impact on global markets," the former German defense minister said.

"This is why we will stop the supply of Russian crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of the year."

"So, we are maximizing the pressure on Russia, while at the same time minimizing the collateral damage to us and our partners around the world. Because in order to help Ukraine, our own economy must remain strong," he stressed.

Ursula von der Leyen clearly wanted Ukraine to win this war. Incidentally, the European Union will also regulate conditions in Ukraine after the war ends.

"The first step is immediate aid. It's about short-term economic support to help Ukraine cope with the effects of the war, as we did with our macro-financial aid package and with direct support to the Ukrainian budget," he explained.

Europe also ensured that all high-ranking military officers and other individuals who committed war crimes in Bucha and who were responsible for the siege of the city of Mariupol, would be held accountable.

"We know who you are, and you will be held accountable."