The world this week--PoliticsPresident Joe Biden banned the import of Russian oil, gas and coal to the United States.Britain said it would phase out Russian oil imports by the end of the year.The EU, which is more dependent on Russian fuel, moved to reduce Russian gas imports by two-thirds.Russia warned it may retaliate by switching off its main gas pipeline to Europe.Other countries sent weapons to help Ukraine defend itself, including anti-aircraft and anti-tank rockets.Poland and America disagreed publicly over the supply of fighter jets.America had suggested that Poland send some of its old MIGs.Poland offered instead to give them to America so that it could hand them over to Ukraine.America said this would risk dragging NATO into a direct conflict with Russia.Mr Putin cranked up repression at home.Anyone in Russia who calls his war a war risks 15 years in jail.The last independent TV channel and radio station were closed.Even so, anti-war protests erupted in several cities.Thousands of protesters have been arrested; many were beaten and abused.Polls suggested that fewer Russians now believe Mr Putin’s story that he is protecting Ukrainians from a “Nazi” regime.Support for the war fell sharply as real news seeped into Russia via the internet.The White House’s top adviser on Latin America met Venezuela’s dictator, Nicolas Maduro.It was the first high-level meeting between the two governments in years.America imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil in 2019.
