European leaders have planned to phase out Russian coal imports in response to the horrific events in Bucha, northern Ukraine.
Most recently, the European Commission proposed a phased ban on Russian coal imports worth € 4 billion ($ 4.3 billion) a year as part of a fifth sanctions package created to increase pressure on Moscow.
In addition, other proposals also target Russian technology and manufacturing imports, worth another € 10 billion ($ 10.9 billion).
Europe has previously imposed sanctions on the Russian economy since President Vladimir Putin announced military operations began on Ukraine in late February, but did not target their energy sector.
However, the discovery of a large number of bodies in the city abandoned by Russian troops over the weekend has aroused world outrage, so much so that the United States and Europe have vowed to impose more sanctions on Moscow’s economy.
It also makes the European Union (EU) consider implementing a ban on Russian energy exports, including oil and gas.
Further details on the new sanctions are expected to be published on Wednesday, where EU ambassadors will meet to discuss them. The move still requires the approval of all 27 member states.
Restrictions on coal will affect some European countries, but it is among the easiest energy sources to stop and most countries are already doing just that.
