Germany mulls imposing Russian oil embargo in wake of Ukraine invasion

By AP 18 March 2022, 1:25 pm

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Annalena Baerbock, German Foreign Minister, delivers a speech on the National Security Strategy at the Foreign Ministry in Berlin, Germany, on March 18, 2022. (Annegret Hilse/Pool Photo via AP)

BERLIN — German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock indicates that her country should consider imposing an oil embargo on Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine.

In a security policy speech, she says it is important to take a stance and not remain silent due to economic or energy dependency.

“Even if it’s difficult, including on questions now with regard to oil or other embargoes,” says Baerbock.

Germany receives about a third of its oil from Russia and half of its coal and natural gas.

Baerbock also warns against China’s growing influence over energy infrastructure in Africa and Asia, saying Germany will soon propose a new strategy on dealing with Beijing.