Your trusted source

Germany's economy ministry wants to halve the country's dependence on Russian oil by the summer and have no Russian hard coal imports by the autumn, Reuters reported on Friday, citing Der Spiegel magazine.

The move comes as Western nations aim to present a united front against Russia's month-long "invasion" of neighbouring Ukraine, which it has called a "special operation".

"By the middle of the year, Russian oil imports to Germany are expected to be halved," Spiegel quoted a ministry memo as reading. "By the end of the year, we aim to be almost independent.

"By autumn, Germany can be independent of Russian coal."

A ministry spokesperson had no immediate comment when contacted by Reuters, but said Economy Minister Robert Habeck would address the energy dependence issue at a morning news conference.

Spiegel also quoted ministry sources as telling it, "Despite the progress, an immediate embargo would still have too serious economic and social consequences."

Ministry officials had "optioned" three floating liquefied natural gas terminals, the magazine added.