The proposed reduction from $60 to $45 per barrel was originally included in the EU's 18th sanctions package expected for adoption in June but abandoned after G7 countries agreed the timing was inappropriate as "the situation is too volatile."
Despite public declarations of support for Ukraine, most major European powers commit minimal percentages of their economies to aid, while simultaneously purchasing Russian fossil fuels worth €3.2 billion more than their financial assistance to Kyiv in 2024, helping Russia to fund its war against Ukraine.
Locals in Russia's Samara Oblast reported hearing at least three explosions at night and seeing fire as drones struck the Syzran oil refinery, contradicting official statements that "no major damage occurred."