The EU is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia, which may include a ban on the import of Russian oil. However, there is a reason why the implementation of the oil embargo is delayed - this is the elections in France, writes The New York Times..

According to the NYT, the final decision will be made only after the second round of elections in France, which will be held on April 24..

It is clarified that the increase in fuel prices caused by the ban on imports of Russian oil could reduce the chances of the incumbent French President Emmanuel Macron for re-election and play into the hands of his rival Marine Le Pen, who is considered to be Putin sympathizers and does not support tough sanctions against Russia..

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Russia is already preparing to impose an embargo on Russian oil. Experts in the Russian Federation offered options on how to bypass the ban.