The United States said it was in "active discussions" with European nations about banning Russian oil imports as further economic penalty against Moscow, but stopped short of announcing an outright boycott.

"We are now in very active discussions with our European partners about banning the import of Russian oil to our countries, while of course at the same time maintaining a steady global supply of oil," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told NBC talk show "Meet the Press" on Sunday.