Stop energy imports if Ukraine invaded, EU says

If Russia invades Ukraine the EU should immediately stop imports of Russian oil and gas, the European Parliament says.

In a non-binding resolution passed on 29 April, the parliament said that the EU should make clear to Moscow that the price of an invasion would be "severe" and also include exclusion from the SWIFT international payment system. The resolution follows the build-up earlier this month of Russian troops in areas close to the border with Ukraine. Russia's defence ministry announced last week that forces deployed in the area were returning to their regular bases.

The parliament also calls for the EU to reduce dependence on Russian energy and urged EU institutions and all member states to "stop the completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and to demand a stop to the construction of controversial nuclear power plants built by Rosatom". The resolution is not binding on the European Commission or EU member states, but the large majority that voted in its favour does indicate how members would vote on specific legislative proposals.

By Dafydd ab Iago