War in Ukraine: US poised to ban Russian oil imports

US President Joe Biden is poised to announce a ban on Russian oil to punish the country for invading Ukraine.

Despite mounting fears of rising gas prices, the move has widespread bipartisan political support in the US.

However the US intends to make the move unilaterally, without its European allies, who are much more dependent on Russian gas and oil for energy needs.

Russia earlier warned it may close its main gas pipeline to Germany if the West bans Russian oil.

The EU gets about 40% of its gas and 30% of its oil from Russia, and has no easy substitutes if supplies are disrupted.

In comparison, 8% of US oil and refined product imports come from Russia.

Russia is the world's third largest oil exporter, and any move to impose sanctions on its energy industry would badly damage its own economy.