Full embargo on oil could stop war - ex-Putin aide

A "real embargo" on Russian energy by Western countries could stop war in Ukraine, President Putin's former chief economic adviser has suggested.

Dr Andrei Illarionov said Russia "did not take seriously" other countries' threats to reduce their energy usage.

Despite trying to reduce its reliance on Russian sources, Europe is continuing to buy oil and gas.

Last year, soaring prices meant oil and gas revenues accounted for 36% of Russia's government spending.

Much of that income comes from the European Union, which imports about 40% of its gas and 27% of its oil from Russia. read more