France is negotiating with the United Arab Emirates regarding the supply of oil and diesel fuel, said French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire.

Le Maire denied that the war in Ukraine was the main cause of the energy price spike, but noted that the conflict "emphasizes a much deeper phenomenon" to which "increased energy independence" is the best response.

As part of its sixth package of sanctions against Russia in connection with the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine, the EU will impose an embargo on Russian oil by the end of the year, blocking its maritime imports.