EU Urges South-East Asia to Shun Russian Oil
The European Union has urged South-East Asian countries not to turn to Russia for oil supplies at a time of market disruption caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, warned that purchasing Russian oil helps finance the war in Ukraine. She made the appeal to partners from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) following a meeting of foreign ministers in Brunei.
The EU this month approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, including tighter restrictions on oil trade, aimed at undermining Moscow's ability to fund its war operations.
Kallas also noted that Russia is profiting from the conflict between the US and Israel against Iran, which has led to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for around a fifth of the world's oil supplies. She added that purchases of Russian oil are also helping Iran maintain the closure of the strait.
"You have an energy crisis, and you need to have supplies. On the other hand, you have to see the big picture, which is that... if you buy Russian oil, they are able to continue with this war", she said.
The EU is seeking ASEAN support for sanctions with the aim of reducing Russian oil revenues. Countries including Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia are nonetheless reportedly seeking new supplies from Russia