BRUSSELS(Reuters) – Two EU diplomats have stated that the European Union has begun to consider imposing a ban on Russian oil imports before the end of this year. This was after negotiations between EU member states and the European Commission.

A sixth set of sanctions is being prepared by the European Union against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine two months ago. This was a Special Military Operation that Moscow called.

It is anticipated that the package will target Russian oil and Russian and Belarusian bank accounts, along with more people and companies.

Coordination of the EU response by the Commission held “confessionals” talks with small groups from EU countries. The Commission will be aiming to finalize its sanctions plan before Wednesday’s meeting of EU Ambassadors in Brussels.

On Monday, the EU energy ministers will also be meeting in Belgrade to address the matter.

According to EU diplomats, some EU members were able stop using oil by 2022. However, others were more concerned about how the price impact would affect them, especially those from the south.

Germany is the biggest buyer of Russia’s oil. Diplomats reported that Germany seemed to agree to the 2022 end-of-year cutoff. But, countries like Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, and Hungary still held reservations.

Some EU members have offered to set a limit on how much they will pay for Russian crude oil. But, they would be forced to buy more oil from other countries.