Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said a "rejection of Russian oil would lead to catastrophic consequences for the global market", causing prices to more than double to $300 a barrel.
Joe Biden to announce nationwide coronavirus battle plan.
Plans include a drive to encourage vaccine boosters, expansion of at-home tests and tighter restrictions on international travel.
Concerns over COVID variant trigger more travel curbs on southern Africa
Europe Covid deaths rise by 10% over past week
Olaf Scholz seeks three-way coalition after SPD's narrow German election win.
Centre-left contender to replace Angela Merkel announces plan for ‘social-ecological-liberal’ alliance
The US says it has reached a deal with Germany to prevent Russia from using its Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline as political leverage over Europe.
The near-complete 1,230km (764 miles) pipeline under the Baltic Sea will double Russian gas exports to Germany.
Merkel said plans to place the country in a strict lockdown over the Easter holiday — which would have seen all shops and churches close from April 1-5 — were a “mistake.”
There has been chaos and confusion in Germany and Italy after their decisions to suspend use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, with vaccination centres closing their doors and appointments being abruptly cancelled.
