US considers import ban on Russian oil as Putin steps up shelling of Ukraine

Refugees, mostly women with children, rest inside a tent after arriving at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland (Visar Kryeziu/AP)

The US is exploring legislation to further isolate Russia from the global economy, including banning the import of its oil and energy products into the country.

The price of oil jumped more than 10 dollars (£7.5) a barrel on Monday as the conflict in Ukraine deepened amid mounting calls for harsher sanctions against Russia.