EU lawmakers and member states early on Wednesday (Dec 3) announced that they have reached a deal to stop all Russian gas imports into the bloc by autumn 2027. The agreement is a middle ground between EU governments and the European Parliament, which had pushed for an earlier cutoff. In a statement, the European Council said the provisional deal will phase out Russian natural gas as part of efforts to break Europe’s long reliance on Moscow and respond to what it called Russia’s weaponisation of energy supplies.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-hour-kremlin-meeting-ends-with-putin-rejecting-trump-s-ukraine-peace-plan-no-compromise-on-territory-1764724500149">Five-hour Kremlin meeting ends with Putin rejecting Trump's Ukraine peace plan: 'No compromise' on territory</a><h2>EU phasing out Russian imports</h2>"Today, the Council presidency and the European Parliament's representatives reached a provisional agreement on the regulation to&nbsp;phase out imports of Russian natural gas," said a European Council statement.Under the plan, long-term contracts for Russian pipeline gas will end no later than November 1, 2027. Long-term liquified natural gas (LNG) contracts will halt from January 1, 2027. Short-term deals will be barred earlier, starting April 25, 2026, for LNG and June 17, 2026, for pipeline gas. The move aims "to end dependency on Russian energy following Russia's weaponisation of gas supplies with significant effects on the European energy market," said the EU. The timeline, as per AFP, still needs final approval from both the Parliament and EU member states.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-delhi-visit-putin-vows-deeper-partnership-with-india-says-he-wants-ties-at-a-qualitatively-new-level-1764726149599">Ahead of Delhi visit, Putin vows deeper partnership with India, says he wants ties at a 'qualitatively new level'</a>

EU countries and lawmakers struck a deal to ban all Russian gas imports by autumn 2027. Long-term contracts will end no later than November 1, 2027.

EU lawmakers and member states early on Wednesday (Dec 3) announced that they have reached a deal to stop all Russian gas imports into the bloc by autumn 2027. The agreement is a middle ground between EU governments and the European Parliament, which had pushed for an earlier cutoff. In a statement, the European Council said the provisional deal will phase out Russian natural gas as part of efforts to break Europe’s long reliance on Moscow and respond to what it called Russia’s weaponisation of energy supplies. Also read | Five-hour Kremlin meeting ends with Putin rejecting Trump's Ukraine peace plan: 'No compromise' on territory EU phasing out Russian imports "Today, the Council presidency and the European Parliament's representatives reached a provisional agreement on the regulation to phase out imports of Russian natural gas," said a European Council statement. Under the plan, long-term contracts for Russian pipeline gas will end no later than November 1, 2027. Long-term liquified natural gas (LNG) contracts will halt from January 1, 2027. Short-term deals will be barred earlier, starting April 25, 2026, for LNG and June 17, 2026, for pipeline gas. The move aims "to end dependency on Russian energy following Russia's weaponisation of gas supplies with significant effects on the European energy market," said the EU. The timeline, as per AFP, still needs final approval from both the Parliament and EU member states. Also read | Ahead of Delhi visit, Putin vows deeper partnership with India, says he wants ties at a 'qualitatively new level'

EU countries and lawmakers struck a deal to ban all Russian gas imports by autumn 2027. Long-term contracts will end no later than November 1, 2027.

EU seals landmark deal to ban all Russian gas imports within three years

In an effort to win over hesitant governments like Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, the European Commission is proposing amendments to its planned embargo on Russian oil.

Should EU nations fail to achieve an agreement on an oil embargo against Russia by the weekend, a meeting of EU foreign ministers will be scheduled next week, according to EU foreign policy leader Josep Borrell.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-assures-it-wont-use-nuclear-weapons-in-ongoing-war-against-ukraine-476897" hreflang="en">Russia assures it won’t use nuclear weapons in ongoing war against Ukraine</a>

The oil embargo was suggested by the European Union's executive on Wednesday as part of a larger package of EU penalties on Russia, the sixth since Moscow started its&nbsp;invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

Borrell told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Florence that he had faith in reaching "a solution that is shared, as not all countries are in the same situation," and that a deal must be found quickly.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine war: Europe proposes ban on Russian oil, aims to phase out Russian crude in 6 months

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When asked about a prospective gas embargo, Borrell stated, "Gas is not for tomorrow, but for the day after tomorrow," implying that the EU should take its sanctions against Russia one step at a time.

Earlier on Friday, he said the bloc needs to be "realistic" in its ambitions to wean itself from Russian energy, adding that it must do so in an orderly and cautious manner.

As the situation in Ukraine worsens, Europe, which imports roughly 40 per cent of its gas from Russia, has been trying to diversify its energy supply mix.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-likely-to-sanction-vladimir-putins-rumoured-girlfriend-alina-kabaeva-report-476904" hreflang="en">European Union likely to sanction Vladimir Putin's rumoured girlfriend Alina Kabaeva - Report</a>

"Gas cannot be substituted with something else... if it's not Russian gas it needs to be gas anyway," he said.

The senior diplomat went on to say that there were a variety of methods to punish Russia's oil exports, and that action might not be confined to a simple ban on buying the oil.

"If insurance companies don't provide the insurance for the transportation of Russian oil, it's going to be a big problem for Russian oil exports - not only to the EU but to rest of world," he stated, without providing any other information.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.&nbsp;

In an effort to win over hesitant governments like Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, the European Commission is proposing amendments to its planned embargo on Russian oil.

In an effort to win over hesitant governments like Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, the European Commission is proposing amendments to its planned embargo on Russian oil. Should EU nations fail to achieve an agreement on an oil embargo against Russia by the weekend, a meeting of EU foreign ministers will be scheduled next week, according to EU foreign policy leader Josep Borrell. Also read | Russia assures it won’t use nuclear weapons in ongoing war against Ukraine The oil embargo was suggested by the European Union's executive on Wednesday as part of a larger package of EU penalties on Russia, the sixth since Moscow started its invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Borrell told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Florence that he had faith in reaching "a solution that is shared, as not all countries are in the same situation," and that a deal must be found quickly. Watch | Ukraine war: Europe proposes ban on Russian oil, aims to phase out Russian crude in 6 months When asked about a prospective gas embargo, Borrell stated, "Gas is not for tomorrow, but for the day after tomorrow," implying that the EU should take its sanctions against Russia one step at a time. Earlier on Friday, he said the bloc needs to be "realistic" in its ambitions to wean itself from Russian energy, adding that it must do so in an orderly and cautious manner. As the situation in Ukraine worsens, Europe, which imports roughly 40 per cent of its gas from Russia, has been trying to diversify its energy supply mix. Also read | European Union likely to sanction Vladimir Putin's rumoured girlfriend Alina Kabaeva - Report "Gas cannot be substituted with something else... if it's not Russian gas it needs to be gas anyway," he said. The senior diplomat went on to say that there were a variety of methods to punish Russia's oil exports, and that action might not be confined to a simple ban on buying the oil. "If insurance companies don't provide the insurance for the transportation of Russian oil, it's going to be a big problem for Russian oil exports - not only to the EU but to rest of world," he stated, without providing any other information. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

EU top diplomat hints at more sanctions, even as agency proposes amendments to oil embargo against Russia

After the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-germany-drop-plans-for-russia-summit-after-eu-outcry-393872">European Union</a>&nbsp;rejected a proposal to conduct summit talks with Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was instrumental in forwarding the proposal, said&nbsp;"a sovereign EU" should talk with the Russian president.

"The president of the US met for a serious talk with Vladimir Putin, which I did not have the impression was a reward for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-to-russia-returns-to-moscow-393744">Russian</a> president," the German Chancellor said at a press conference.

Watch:

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"A sovereign EU, in my opinion, should also be able to represent the interests of the EU in such a similar conversation," Merkel added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-obsessed-to-meet-putin-says-macron-393971">Also Read:&nbsp;Not 'obsessed' to meet Putin, says Macron</a>

France, which had backed the German proposal, said that Europe must speak at a "high level" with Russia.

Merkel said a "bolder step" was needed even as Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said there was "aggressive forms" in Russia's behaviour.

Kremlin expressed "regret" over the development, reiterating that it "remains interested in establishing working relations between Moscow and Brussels."

The move set by Merkel and Macron was put in motion in the backdrop of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/sorry-biden-putin-honestly-could-not-care-less-392492">Biden-Putin</a> summit at Geneva last week.&nbsp;The two leaders had a face-to-face discussion on various contentious issues including cyberattacks, the Navalny row and allowing each other's ambassadors to take up their posts in Moscow and Washington.

The proposed talks with Putin was resisted by eastern European countries in the 27-nation bloc who are fearful of Russia's aggression.&nbsp;

The last EU summit with Russia had taken place in January 2014 shortly before Putin's regime annexed Crimea from Ukraine leading to sanctions.

Ukraine also opposed the idea of talks with Putin. Before the Putin-Biden summit, Ukraine President Zelensky had said he was interested in joining NATO amid tensions with Russia.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After the European Union rejected a proposal to conduct summit talks with Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was instrumental in forwarding the proposal, said "a sovereign EU" should talk with the Russian president.

After the European Union rejected a proposal to conduct summit talks with Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was instrumental in forwarding the proposal, said "a sovereign EU" should talk with the Russian president. "The president of the US met for a serious talk with Vladimir Putin, which I did not have the impression was a reward for the Russian president," the German Chancellor said at a press conference. Watch: "A sovereign EU, in my opinion, should also be able to represent the interests of the EU in such a similar conversation," Merkel added. Also Read: Not 'obsessed' to meet Putin, says Macron France, which had backed the German proposal, said that Europe must speak at a "high level" with Russia. Merkel said a "bolder step" was needed even as Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said there was "aggressive forms" in Russia's behaviour. Kremlin expressed "regret" over the development, reiterating that it "remains interested in establishing working relations between Moscow and Brussels." The move set by Merkel and Macron was put in motion in the backdrop of the Biden-Putin summit at Geneva last week. The two leaders had a face-to-face discussion on various contentious issues including cyberattacks, the Navalny row and allowing each other's ambassadors to take up their posts in Moscow and Washington. The proposed talks with Putin was resisted by eastern European countries in the 27-nation bloc who are fearful of Russia's aggression. The last EU summit with Russia had taken place in January 2014 shortly before Putin's regime annexed Crimea from Ukraine leading to sanctions. Ukraine also opposed the idea of talks with Putin. Before the Putin-Biden summit, Ukraine President Zelensky had said he was interested in joining NATO amid tensions with Russia. (With inputs from Agencies)

Sovereign EU should be able to represent interests, says Merkel after EU rejects talks with Putin

Germany and France are pushing EU counterparts to consider a summit with Russian leader Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;as the bloc weighs its strategy to keep Moscow in check, diplomats said Wednesday.

The EU's 27 leaders are set to discuss ties with its vast eastern neighbour at a meeting on Thursday as Brussels admits that relations with the Kremlin have reached their "lowest level".&nbsp;

Berlin and Paris put forward a last-minute proposal for the bloc to contemplate a potential summit in the wake of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">US President Joe Biden's</a> sit-down with&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;in Geneva last week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-putin-summit-takeaways-respect-optimism-and-some-scepticism-392063">Biden-Putin summit takeaways: Respect, optimism, and some scepticism</a>

But there remains opposition from numerous EU members states, especially in eastern Europe -- wary of talking to the Kremlin.&nbsp;

EU ambassadors were set to hold a meeting late Wednesday evening to try to thrash out a common position.&nbsp;

"The EU must stand firm and establish a counterbalance against Russia. It must also put itself in a position to resist, in particular, cyberattacks. And it must be able to engage in dialogue with Russia on the subjects for which it has interests," one European diplomat argued.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-you-want-peace-prepare-for-war-russia-ready-to-cut-ties-with-eu-over-sanctions-asserts-lavrov-363130">'If you want peace, prepare for war': Russia ready to cut ties with EU over sanctions, asserts Lavrov</a>

"But there is a question over the format for this dialogue. How to conduct this dialogue? At what level? Through what channel? And what role should be given to the EU institutions."

Another diplomat insisted that it was "premature" to talk about a meeting with the Russian leader.&nbsp;

"Why have a summit with&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;if there is nothing positive to discuss," the diplomat said.&nbsp;

Ties between the EU and Russia have been in the doldrums since the Kremlin annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

The bloc has slapped waves of sanctions on Moscow, and Russia has responded with its own counter-measures.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-will-retaliate-if-eu-imposes-new-sanctions-over-navalny-362989">Russia warns will retaliate if EU imposes new sanctions over Navalny</a>

The last summit between EU chiefs in Brussels and&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;took place in early 2014, with the Kremlin strongman preferring to deal bilaterally with individual nations since then.&nbsp;

While the German-French proposal mooted engagement with Moscow, it also made clear the bloc needed to remain united in the face of Russian aggression.&nbsp;

Proposed summit conclusions seen by AFP said there needs "a firm and coordinated response by the EU and the Member States to Russia's malign activities, making full use of all instruments at the EU's disposal, and ensuring coordination with other partners."

The draft statement said that leaders would task EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell "to present options for additional adequate and effective economic sanctions against responsible parties in reaction to destabilising actions by Russia".

Germany and France are pushing EU counterparts to consider a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin as the bloc weighs its strategy to keep Moscow in check, diplomats said Wednesday.

Germany and France are pushing EU counterparts to consider a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin as the bloc weighs its strategy to keep Moscow in check, diplomats said Wednesday. The EU's 27 leaders are set to discuss ties with its vast eastern neighbour at a meeting on Thursday as Brussels admits that relations with the Kremlin have reached their "lowest level". Berlin and Paris put forward a last-minute proposal for the bloc to contemplate a potential summit in the wake of US President Joe Biden's sit-down with Putin in Geneva last week. Also read | Biden-Putin summit takeaways: Respect, optimism, and some scepticism But there remains opposition from numerous EU members states, especially in eastern Europe -- wary of talking to the Kremlin. EU ambassadors were set to hold a meeting late Wednesday evening to try to thrash out a common position. "The EU must stand firm and establish a counterbalance against Russia. It must also put itself in a position to resist, in particular, cyberattacks. And it must be able to engage in dialogue with Russia on the subjects for which it has interests," one European diplomat argued. Also read | 'If you want peace, prepare for war': Russia ready to cut ties with EU over sanctions, asserts Lavrov "But there is a question over the format for this dialogue. How to conduct this dialogue? At what level? Through what channel? And what role should be given to the EU institutions." Another diplomat insisted that it was "premature" to talk about a meeting with the Russian leader. "Why have a summit with Putin if there is nothing positive to discuss," the diplomat said. Ties between the EU and Russia have been in the doldrums since the Kremlin annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The bloc has slapped waves of sanctions on Moscow, and Russia has responded with its own counter-measures. Also read | Russia warns will retaliate if EU imposes new sanctions over Navalny The last summit between EU chiefs in Brussels and Putin took place in early 2014, with the Kremlin strongman preferring to deal bilaterally with individual nations since then. While the German-French proposal mooted engagement with Moscow, it also made clear the bloc needed to remain united in the face of Russian aggression. Proposed summit conclusions seen by AFP said there needs "a firm and coordinated response by the EU and the Member States to Russia's malign activities, making full use of all instruments at the EU's disposal, and ensuring coordination with other partners." The draft statement said that leaders would task EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell "to present options for additional adequate and effective economic sanctions against responsible parties in reaction to destabilising actions by Russia".

Germany, France propose EU-Russia summit: Diplomats

Chancellor Angela Merkel told the German parliament that EU should seek "direct contact" with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-britain-against-unacceptable-provocation-in-black-sea-393643">Russia</a> as French President Macron said Europe's stability required a "demanding" dialogue with Russia.

"It is not enough for the US president to talk to the Russian president. I very much welcome that, but the EU must also create forums for dialogue," the German Chancellor told parliament on Thursday.

Watch:

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French and German envoys had proposed holding a summit with Putin just days after US President Biden held summit talks with the Russian president in Geneva.

EU and Russia have several points of conflicts with the standoff in Ukraine and Belarus taking centre stage.

Kremlin said it was open to the idea of dialogue.&nbsp;The last EU-Russia summit was held in January 2014 just before Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea as relations between the EU and Russia nosedived.

However, not all EU countries are willing to hold a dialogue with Putin. Poland, Netherlands and the Baltic states want some kind of assurance from the Russian president as a precondition.

Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba opposed the idea asserting that the EU-Russia summit would be a "dangerous deviation" from the EU's sanctions policy.

Macron said talks with Putin will be demanding since the EU will not give up its "values". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-law-is-wrong-angela-merkel-joins-other-eu-leaders-in-criticising-hungarys-anti-lgbt-law-393534">Merkel </a>and Macron believe the EU should engage with Russia on issues&nbsp;of mutual interest namely the Iran nuclear deal, climate change among others although the exact nature of the talks remains unclear.

The development comes after US President Biden met with Putin in Geneva, Switzerland where the two leaders openly spoke about Russia's alleged cyberattack, the Navalny row and other contentious issues.

Biden had said Putin had assured him that the two countries will work together on Iran and&nbsp;agreed on bilateral strategic stability dialogue, a move which Chancellor Merkel and President Macron believe are common grounds for the EU.&nbsp;

Chancellor Angela Merkel told the German parliament that EU should seek "direct contact" with Russia as French President Macron said Europe's stability required a "demanding" dialogue with Russia.

Chancellor Angela Merkel told the German parliament that EU should seek "direct contact" with Russia as French President Macron said Europe's stability required a "demanding" dialogue with Russia. "It is not enough for the US president to talk to the Russian president. I very much welcome that, but the EU must also create forums for dialogue," the German Chancellor told parliament on Thursday. Watch: French and German envoys had proposed holding a summit with Putin just days after US President Biden held summit talks with the Russian president in Geneva. EU and Russia have several points of conflicts with the standoff in Ukraine and Belarus taking centre stage. Kremlin said it was open to the idea of dialogue. The last EU-Russia summit was held in January 2014 just before Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea as relations between the EU and Russia nosedived. However, not all EU countries are willing to hold a dialogue with Putin. Poland, Netherlands and the Baltic states want some kind of assurance from the Russian president as a precondition. Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba opposed the idea asserting that the EU-Russia summit would be a "dangerous deviation" from the EU's sanctions policy. Macron said talks with Putin will be demanding since the EU will not give up its "values". Merkel and Macron believe the EU should engage with Russia on issues of mutual interest namely the Iran nuclear deal, climate change among others although the exact nature of the talks remains unclear. The development comes after US President Biden met with Putin in Geneva, Switzerland where the two leaders openly spoke about Russia's alleged cyberattack, the Navalny row and other contentious issues. Biden had said Putin had assured him that the two countries will work together on Iran and agreed on bilateral strategic stability dialogue, a move which Chancellor Merkel and President Macron believe are common grounds for the EU.

After Biden summit, Merkel, Macron back EU talks with Putin

Following EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell statement that the bloc was monitoring whether&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;was systematically refusing to let European airlines land if they avoided Belarus. The Kremlin on Friday said&nbsp;that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;was working to resolve what it called technical issues thrown up by a decision by some European airlines to skirt Belarusian airspace when flying to and from&nbsp;Russia.

The European Union has urged its airlines to avoid Belarus and has moved to close its own airspace to Belarusian carriers amid outrage over Sunday's interception of a Ryanair RYA.I jet en route to Lithuania from Greece, and the arrest of a dissident journalist on board.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-plane-crisis-tightens-lukashenkos-awkward-embrace-of-putin-387605">Belarus plane crisis tightens Lukashenko’s awkward embrace of Putin</a>

Josep Borrell had while speaking to journalists, said "We don't know if it is case by case, specific cases, or is a general norm from the Russian authorities in order to make the European planes overfly Belarus,".

Russia&nbsp;on Thursday withheld clearance for an Austrian Airlines Vienna-Moscow flight plan avoiding Belarus - a day after failing to approve a revised Air France&nbsp;Paris-Moscow route. Both flights were cancelled.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airlines-re-route-to-avoid-belarus-opposition-says-journalist-beaten-387395">Airlines re-route to avoid Belarus, opposition says journalist beaten</a>&nbsp;

It did allow an Austrian Airlines Vienna-Moscow flight to bypass Belarusian airspace on Friday however, the TASS news agency cited the company as saying, and allowed in other foreign carriers on Thursday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the problems were purely technical in nature and that the issue should not become an irritant in EU-Russia&nbsp;ties.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-aviation-body-may-probe-belarus-plane-forced-landing-incident-387881">UN aviation body may probe Belarus plane forced landing incident</a>

Russia's federal aviation agency Rosaviatsiya has told airlines that changes to routes from Europe to&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;due to the political row over Belarus may result in longer clearance times due to more such requests.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Following EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell statement that the bloc was monitoring whether Russia was systematically refusing to let European airlines land if they avoided Belarus.

Following EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell statement that the bloc was monitoring whether Russia was systematically refusing to let European airlines land if they avoided Belarus. The Kremlin on Friday said that Russia was working to resolve what it called technical issues thrown up by a decision by some European airlines to skirt Belarusian airspace when flying to and from Russia. The European Union has urged its airlines to avoid Belarus and has moved to close its own airspace to Belarusian carriers amid outrage over Sunday's interception of a Ryanair RYA.I jet en route to Lithuania from Greece, and the arrest of a dissident journalist on board. Also Read | Belarus plane crisis tightens Lukashenko’s awkward embrace of Putin Josep Borrell had while speaking to journalists, said "We don't know if it is case by case, specific cases, or is a general norm from the Russian authorities in order to make the European planes overfly Belarus,". Russia on Thursday withheld clearance for an Austrian Airlines Vienna-Moscow flight plan avoiding Belarus - a day after failing to approve a revised Air France Paris-Moscow route. Both flights were cancelled. Also Read | Airlines re-route to avoid Belarus, opposition says journalist beaten It did allow an Austrian Airlines Vienna-Moscow flight to bypass Belarusian airspace on Friday however, the TASS news agency cited the company as saying, and allowed in other foreign carriers on Thursday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the problems were purely technical in nature and that the issue should not become an irritant in EU-Russia ties. Also Read | UN aviation body may probe Belarus plane forced landing incident Russia's federal aviation agency Rosaviatsiya has told airlines that changes to routes from Europe to Russia due to the political row over Belarus may result in longer clearance times due to more such requests. (With inputs from agencies)

France, Australian flight cancellations were due to 'technical issues,' says Russia

As the European Union considers sanctions against Russia, foreign minister Lavrov said that the country is ready to sever ties with the block.

Watch:

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Tensions between Russia and the European Union have escalated over after Navalny's detention as he returned from Germany in last month after allegedly being poisoned in Russia.

Navalny was handed a two and half year jail term by for violating probation terms while he was in Germany recovering from the poisoning attack.

"We don't want to isolate ourselves from the world, but we need to be ready for that. If you want peace, prepare for war," foreign minister Lavrov said over EU's tough stance on Russia as sanctions loom.

Russian foreign ministry had earlier warned EU over taking any "rash steps" asserting that new sanctions "will inevitably be followed by a proportionate response". EU foreign ministers are set to meet on February 22 to discuss the sanctions even as &nbsp;EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said he will recommend sanctions during the meeting.

There have been large scale protests in Russia after Navalny's arrest as Russia's foreign ministry labelled Navalny's team "traitors". In a move to quell the protests, Russian lawmakers have approved the second reading of a bill to increase fines for disobeying police.

Protesters are currently fined $13.50(1,000 roubles) which is likely to rise to 4,000 rubles and reach 20,000 rubles for repeat violations under the proposed law.

As the European Union considers sanctions against Russia, foreign minister Lavrov said that the country is ready to sever ties with the block. Watch: Tensions between Russia and the European Union have escalated over after Navalny's detention as he returned from Germany in last month after allegedly being poisoned in Russia.

As the European Union considers sanctions against Russia, foreign minister Lavrov said that the country is ready to sever ties with the block. Watch: Tensions between Russia and the European Union have escalated over after Navalny's detention as he returned from Germany in last month after allegedly being poisoned in Russia. Navalny was handed a two and half year jail term by for violating probation terms while he was in Germany recovering from the poisoning attack. "We don't want to isolate ourselves from the world, but we need to be ready for that. If you want peace, prepare for war," foreign minister Lavrov said over EU's tough stance on Russia as sanctions loom. Russian foreign ministry had earlier warned EU over taking any "rash steps" asserting that new sanctions "will inevitably be followed by a proportionate response". EU foreign ministers are set to meet on February 22 to discuss the sanctions even as EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said he will recommend sanctions during the meeting. There have been large scale protests in Russia after Navalny's arrest as Russia's foreign ministry labelled Navalny's team "traitors". In a move to quell the protests, Russian lawmakers have approved the second reading of a bill to increase fines for disobeying police. Protesters are currently fined $13.50(1,000 roubles) which is likely to rise to 4,000 rubles and reach 20,000 rubles for repeat violations under the proposed law.

'If you want peace, prepare for war': Russia ready to cut ties with EU over sanctions, asserts Lavrov

Russia is rejecting constructive dialogue with the EU and that Europe must draw the consequences, including the possibility of new sanctions according to the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borell.

In a blog post, Josep Borrell said the shock expulsion of three EU diplomats during his two-day visit to Moscow, showed that Russia "did not want to seize this opportunity to have a more constructive dialogue with the EU".

The bloc "will have to draw the consequences" he wrote, insisting that "it will be for member states to decide the next steps, and yes, these could include sanctions."

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Borrell's trip, which ended on Saturday, had been a controversial journey that divided the EU's 27 member states, with France and Germany backing dialogue with the Kremlin.

Other countries backed a harder line after the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and a crackdown on pro-Navalny protesters that has seen more than 10,000 people arrested in recent weeks.

Borrell's trip took a negative turn when Moscow expelled diplomats from Poland, Germany and Sweden just hours after he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss ties.

The former Spanish foreign minister described the trip as "very complicated" and said he returned to Brussels "with deep concerns".&nbsp;

"It seems that Russia is progressively disconnecting itself from Europe and looking at democratic values as an existential threat," he said.

Borrell defended his visit arguing that criticising Russia from a distance "will not bring greater security to the European Union".&nbsp;

"We have to face challenges, including meeting others in their home turf, just when negative events are unfolding" in order to better assess the action to take.

"If we want a safer world for tomorrow, we have to act decidedly today and be ready to take some risks," he said.

Borrell will debrief his trip to foreign ministers from the 27 member states on February 22 and EU leaders will discuss their strained ties with Moscow at a summit in March.

Drawing up EU sanctions are strictly up to the member&nbsp;states and require unanimity among the 27.

Russia is rejecting constructive dialogue with the EU and that Europe must draw the consequences, including the possibility of new sanctions according to the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borell.

Russia is rejecting constructive dialogue with the EU and that Europe must draw the consequences, including the possibility of new sanctions according to the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borell. In a blog post, Josep Borrell said the shock expulsion of three EU diplomats during his two-day visit to Moscow, showed that Russia "did not want to seize this opportunity to have a more constructive dialogue with the EU". The bloc "will have to draw the consequences" he wrote, insisting that "it will be for member states to decide the next steps, and yes, these could include sanctions." Borrell's trip, which ended on Saturday, had been a controversial journey that divided the EU's 27 member states, with France and Germany backing dialogue with the Kremlin. Other countries backed a harder line after the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and a crackdown on pro-Navalny protesters that has seen more than 10,000 people arrested in recent weeks. Borrell's trip took a negative turn when Moscow expelled diplomats from Poland, Germany and Sweden just hours after he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss ties. The former Spanish foreign minister described the trip as "very complicated" and said he returned to Brussels "with deep concerns". "It seems that Russia is progressively disconnecting itself from Europe and looking at democratic values as an existential threat," he said. Borrell defended his visit arguing that criticising Russia from a distance "will not bring greater security to the European Union". "We have to face challenges, including meeting others in their home turf, just when negative events are unfolding" in order to better assess the action to take. "If we want a safer world for tomorrow, we have to act decidedly today and be ready to take some risks," he said. Borrell will debrief his trip to foreign ministers from the 27 member states on February 22 and EU leaders will discuss their strained ties with Moscow at a summit in March. Drawing up EU sanctions are strictly up to the member states and require unanimity among the 27.

Josep Borrell says Russia is rejecting constructive dialogue with European Union

The European Union(EU) said on Thursday that "reserves the right to take appropriate actions, including through restrictive measures" on Russia after Germany said it has&nbsp;"unequivocal evidence" that Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-alexei-navalny-berlin-urges-eu-action-over-novichok-poisoning-325017/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Josep Borrell, EU's foreign policy chief urged Russia to cooperate with an international probe into Navalny's poisoning as the EU said: "use of chemical weapon is completely unacceptable under any circumstances (and) constitutes a serious breach of international law and international human rights standards."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/head-of-world-chemical-arms-watchdog-expresses-concern-over-navalnys-poisoning-case-325029">Also Read:&nbsp;Head of world chemical arms watchdog expresses 'concern' over Navalny's poisoning case</a>

"The Russian government must do its utmost to investigate this crime thoroughly in full transparency and bring those responsible to justice. Impunity must not and will not be tolerated," Borrell said.

Germany said Navalny was exposed to Novichok.

However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Germany had not provided Russia with any proof.&nbsp;

"There is no reason to accuse the Russian state," Peskov said amid threat of sanctions.

Alexei Navalny continues to be in the intensive care unit and on ventilator support after he fell ill on a plane in Siberia and had to be taken to hospital. His aides said Navalny had taken a cup of tea before taking the flight which was spiked with poison.

The European Union(EU) said on Thursday that "reserves the right to take appropriate actions, including through restrictive measures" on Russia after Germany said it has "unequivocal evidence" that Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned.

The European Union(EU) said on Thursday that "reserves the right to take appropriate actions, including through restrictive measures" on Russia after Germany said it has "unequivocal evidence" that Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned. Watch: Josep Borrell, EU's foreign policy chief urged Russia to cooperate with an international probe into Navalny's poisoning as the EU said: "use of chemical weapon is completely unacceptable under any circumstances (and) constitutes a serious breach of international law and international human rights standards." Also Read: Head of world chemical arms watchdog expresses 'concern' over Navalny's poisoning case "The Russian government must do its utmost to investigate this crime thoroughly in full transparency and bring those responsible to justice. Impunity must not and will not be tolerated," Borrell said. Germany said Navalny was exposed to Novichok. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Germany had not provided Russia with any proof. "There is no reason to accuse the Russian state," Peskov said amid threat of sanctions. Alexei Navalny continues to be in the intensive care unit and on ventilator support after he fell ill on a plane in Siberia and had to be taken to hospital. His aides said Navalny had taken a cup of tea before taking the flight which was spiked with poison.

EU urges Russia to cooperate in Navalny probe; threatens 'restrictive measures'

French President Emmanuel Macron called Tuesday for a "real European army" as the continent marks a century since the divisions of World War I, to better defend itself against Russia and even the United States.

Macron, who has pushed for a joint European Union military force since his arrival in power, said Europe needed to reduce its dependence on American might, not least after US President Donald Trump announced he was pulling out of a Cold War-era nuclear treaty.

"We have to protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States of America," Macron told Europe 1 in his first radio interview since becoming president in May 2017.

"When I see President Trump announcing that he's quitting a major disarmament treaty which was formed after the 1980s Euromissile crisis that hit Europe, who is the main victim? Europe and its security," he said.&nbsp;

The Euromissile crisis -- a mini-arms race within the Cold War that saw the US roll ballistic missiles into Europe -- was a major factor spurring the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

"We will not protect the Europeans unless we decide to have a true European army," Macron said in the interview, recorded Monday night in Verdun, northeast France, as he tours the former Western Front during week-long World War I centenary commemorations.

Faced with "a Russia which is at our borders and has shown that it can be a threat", Macron argued: "We need a Europe which defends itself better alone, without just depending on the United States."

Macron has spearheaded the creation of a nine-country European force that would be capable of rapidly mounting a joint military operation, an evacuation from a war zone, or providing aid after a natural disaster.

The nine countries' defence ministers will meet in Paris for the first time on Wednesday, to start thrashing out details of how the force will operate.

The wider EU is also set to vastly expand its defence budget from 2021, allocating some 13 billion euros ($15 billion) over seven years to research and develop new equipment -- up from less than 600 million euros in the current budget.

Bruno Alomar, a professor at the French War School which trains top military officers, said however that Macron's vision of tight-knit European defence force was a long way off.

"The idea of creating a common strategic culture is not a bad one," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"But there's a massive gap between the European defence that Emmanuel Macron dreams about and the reality of very powerful disagreements between European partners."

Russian meddling fears

In an apparent reference to Russia, Macron warned that "intrusion attempts in cyber-space and multiple interventions in our democracies" required a united response.

"Peace in Europe is precarious," Macron told Europe 1.

As he prepares to host dozens of world leaders Sunday to mark 100 years since the World War I armistice, including Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the centrist French leader has been railing against rising nationalism in Europe and beyond.&nbsp;

He repeated his warning Tuesday of similarities between the state of the world today and the financial crisis and "nationalism playing on people's fears" of the 1930s.

Ahead of European Parliament elections next May -- billed by many observers as a battle between Macron-style pro-Europeans and rightwing populists -- Macron said politicians must respond to voters' fear and anger.

Europe "has probably become too ultra-liberal", he said, "which doesn't allow the middle classes to live well".

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen -- one of the targets of Macron's anti-nationalist tirades -- meanwhile accused him of seeking to turn Europe into an empire.

"And it was empires that were at the origin of World War I, not nations," she told Radio Classique.

French President Emmanuel Macron called Tuesday for a "real European army" as the continent marks a century since the divisions of World War I, to better defend itself against Russia and even the United States.

French President Emmanuel Macron called Tuesday for a "real European army" as the continent marks a century since the divisions of World War I, to better defend itself against Russia and even the United States. Macron, who has pushed for a joint European Union military force since his arrival in power, said Europe needed to reduce its dependence on American might, not least after US President Donald Trump announced he was pulling out of a Cold War-era nuclear treaty. "We have to protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States of America," Macron told Europe 1 in his first radio interview since becoming president in May 2017. "When I see President Trump announcing that he's quitting a major disarmament treaty which was formed after the 1980s Euromissile crisis that hit Europe, who is the main victim? Europe and its security," he said. The Euromissile crisis -- a mini-arms race within the Cold War that saw the US roll ballistic missiles into Europe -- was a major factor spurring the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. "We will not protect the Europeans unless we decide to have a true European army," Macron said in the interview, recorded Monday night in Verdun, northeast France, as he tours the former Western Front during week-long World War I centenary commemorations. Faced with "a Russia which is at our borders and has shown that it can be a threat", Macron argued: "We need a Europe which defends itself better alone, without just depending on the United States." Macron has spearheaded the creation of a nine-country European force that would be capable of rapidly mounting a joint military operation, an evacuation from a war zone, or providing aid after a natural disaster. The nine countries' defence ministers will meet in Paris for the first time on Wednesday, to start thrashing out details of how the force will operate. The wider EU is also set to vastly expand its defence budget from 2021, allocating some 13 billion euros ($15 billion) over seven years to research and develop new equipment -- up from less than 600 million euros in the current budget. Bruno Alomar, a professor at the French War School which trains top military officers, said however that Macron's vision of tight-knit European defence force was a long way off. "The idea of creating a common strategic culture is not a bad one," he told AFP. "But there's a massive gap between the European defence that Emmanuel Macron dreams about and the reality of very powerful disagreements between European partners." Russian meddling fears In an apparent reference to Russia, Macron warned that "intrusion attempts in cyber-space and multiple interventions in our democracies" required a united response. "Peace in Europe is precarious," Macron told Europe 1. As he prepares to host dozens of world leaders Sunday to mark 100 years since the World War I armistice, including Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the centrist French leader has been railing against rising nationalism in Europe and beyond. He repeated his warning Tuesday of similarities between the state of the world today and the financial crisis and "nationalism playing on people's fears" of the 1930s. Ahead of European Parliament elections next May -- billed by many observers as a battle between Macron-style pro-Europeans and rightwing populists -- Macron said politicians must respond to voters' fear and anger. Europe "has probably become too ultra-liberal", he said, "which doesn't allow the middle classes to live well". French far-right leader Marine Le Pen -- one of the targets of Macron's anti-nationalist tirades -- meanwhile accused him of seeking to turn Europe into an empire. "And it was empires that were at the origin of World War I, not nations," she told Radio Classique.

Emmanuel Macron urges European army to defend against Russia, US

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