Pressure mounts on German ministers to embargo Russian energy

Berlin rules out total ban but says it is seeking to cut dependency more quickly after reports of atrocities in Bucha

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The German government is facing growing pressure at home and abroad to introduce an energy embargo against Russia as reports of atrocities committed on Ukrainian civilians in Bucha increased the urgency of calls for action.

Berlin has so far pushed back on appeals for an outright ban on energy imports from Russia, warning that the consequences for Europe's largest economy and the entire European Union would be devastating. However, discussions are widespread about reducing industry production times to save energy, while ordinary Germans are being urged to turn down thermostats and drive more slowly.