US House of Representatives passes bill banning Russian oil, other energy imports

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - The US House of Representatives passed legislation late Wednesday banning imports of Russian oil, gas and other energy products in the latest move against Russia’s war on Ukraine.

It also paves the way for further isolating Russia from the world’s economy by reviewing Moscow's access to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The bill also reauthorizes and strengthens the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which allows the US government to sanction foreign government officials implicated in human rights abuses anywhere in the world.

It passed the House with 414 votes in favor and 17 against and now goes to the Senate before being signed into law by President Joe Biden.

At least 516 civilians have been killed and 908 others injured in Ukraine since Russia launched the war against its neighbor, according to UN figures, with the real toll feared to be higher.

More than 2.1 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN Refugee Agency.