Thread by @DaveKeating

🇪🇺 foreign affairs ministers have just started their meeting here in Brussels to discuss possible new #RussiaSanctions.

Poland is calling for a "complete trade blockade" including energy. That remains a tall ask.

"Today will be a very long day," says EU foreign affairs chief @JosepBorrellF.

"Russia is really doing a lot of #WarCrimes. That's the word, I have to say that. What's happening in #Mariupol is a massive war crime - destroying everything."

"Europe cannot give an impression of fatigue," says #Lithuania FM Landsbergis entering #FAC. "We cannot get tired of imposing sanctions"

"There's a feeling in the room to sit down & take a breath. I think that's a bad message"

It's "unavoidable" that they talk about an #OilBan.

"We'd like to see the sanctions agreed so far further intensified and added to," says Irish FM Simon Coveney.

He also wants increase in European Peace Facility (arms to #Ukraine), and more cooperation on #UkraineRefugees "to ensure all European countries are contributing" (🇬🇧👀)

On sanctions, FM Coveney says energy should be included.

"Looking at the destruction in #Ukraine right now, it's very hard in my view to make the case that we shouldn't be moving into the energy sector, particularly oil and coal."

"#Ireland is very open to that."

The idea for EU to ban the import of Russian oil, but not gas, seems to be gaining traction.

The EU gets 45% of its gas imports from Russia, but only 25% of its oil imports. Oil is also easier to replace with other suppliers.

But would Russia respond by turning off the gas tap?

Events over the weekend in #Mariupol seem to have galvanised momentum toward a 5th round of EU #RussiaSanctions this week including energy (oil & coal).

But given how sensitive this is, such a decision will likely have to wait for #EUCO summit of EU leaders & Biden Thursday.