he European Union is Russia’s top oil client, buying around 3.5 million barrels of crude and refined products on a daily basis. Last year, the bloc spent more than €73 billion on Russian oil, the greatest expenditure on fossil fuels by a large margin. Von der Leyen’s announcement follows days of intense behind-the-scenes diplomacy between the executive and representatives of member states, some of whom remain uneasy about the backlash the measure is expected to trigger against the European economy. Given how inter-linked oil markets are around the world, the move from Brussels could easily have spill-over effects beyond the continent, hitting middle- and low-income countries along the way. The embargo will be further discussed by ambassadors over the coming days and will enter into force only after its unanimous appr