EU chief calls for ban on Russian oil imports by end of 2022

The European Union's top official called for a full-scale ban of Russian oil imports to take effect by the end of 2022 on Wednesday.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen included the ban in a new suite of sanctions against Russia she proposed Wednesday. The sanctions would also hit more Russian banks, TV stations and target Russian officials believed to be responsible for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

"We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimizes the impact on global markets," von der Leyen said.