WAR IN UKRAINE 

The European Commission is today discussing the sixth package of sanctions against Russia, which might include a spaced-out embargo on oil imports. Yesterday’s meeting of the EU Energy Ministers underlined, however, the lack of consensus regarding sanctions on Russian energy imports. Whereas Germany seems willing to curb its reliance on oil imports from the Russian Federation, Hungary again has opposed the move. Earlier today, Slovakia announced it will try to obtain an exemption from any embargo on Russian oil agreed at EU level. Meanwhile, American and British officials believe Russia is preparing to officially declare war on Ukraine in order to mobilize its reserve army, in an attempt to conquer the east and south of Ukraine. At the same time, the US ambassador to the OSCE, quoted by our Washington correspondent, says Russia is ready to annex new Ukrainian territories.