EU Maintains 2028 Deadline to Halt Russian Oil Imports Amid US Neutral Stance

The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to cease Russian oil imports by 2028, with Energy Policy Chief Dan Jorgensen clarifying that Washington has not pressured Brussels to accelerate the timeline. This follows former US President Donald Trump's informal suggestion to European officials to stop buying Russian oil, reported by Reuters on September 5.

"Putin has weaponized energy against us and blackmailed member states. We're indirectly financing his war—this must end," Jorgensen stated, acknowledging Trump's alignment with the EU's objective as welcome but non-determinative. The bloc is finalizing legal measures to enforce the ban within three years, targeting a key revenue stream funding Russia's Ukraine invasion since 2022.

Hungary and Slovakia continue resisting the phase-out, importing 200,000-250,000 daily barrels of Russian crude via the Druzhba pipeline—3% of EU demand. Both nations warn of energy price spikes and supply shortages, complicating Brussels' unified stance.