We unpack the EU plan to ban Russian oil and wonder why Germany is so hung up on Ukraine's refusal to let German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visit Kyiv. Our special guest is Cambridge Professor Helen Thompson, who explores the relationship between energy and politics. [2:10] POLITICO's Politics Editor Andrew Gray is joined by Senior Trade Correspondent Barbara Moens to discuss the European Commission's proposal for a sixth round of sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine. Barbara breaks down the faultlines within the EU over the headline measure, a ban on Russian oil imports, and looks ahead to what might be coming next on the sanctions front. [10:57] Chief Europe Correspondent Matthew Karnitschnig weighs in on the sanctions from Vienna. He also attempts to explain why German Chancellor Olaf Scholz can't seem to get over the snubbing of Steinmeier, who was declared unwelcome in Kyiv three weeks ago. And Matt gives us insight into his latest piece, "12 Germans who got played by Putin." [17:12] Our special guest is Helen Thompson, professor of political economy at the University of Cambridge and author of a new book, "Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century." In conversation with Matt, she discusses the historical reasons for Europe's dependence on Russian oil and gas — and explains why energy will continue to drive political turbulence for years to come, even if the EU can wean itself off supplies from Moscow. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.