China has responded to claims that its support is enabling Russia’s war in Ukraine by stating that trade relations are “normal” and that they are promoting peace talks. These comments were made after Keith Kellogg, U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, suggested the war would quickly end if China withdrew its support. Beijing accused the U.S. of “bullying” for urging NATO allies and the G7 to increase pressure on China and Russia with new sanctions. China’s Foreign Ministry maintains that their trade with Russia is in accordance with WTO rules and not targeted at any third party, further stating they will take countermeasures if their rights are harmed.
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Over the summer, the Trump administration’s approach to Russia has shifted, as it attempts to pressure Vladimir Putin into peace talks with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite this tougher stance, Putin has resisted negotiations, leading to increased calls for harsher sanctions against Russia. While Trump desires the EU to cease buying Russian oil and strengthen its sanctions, he is waiting for Europe to make these changes first. The U.S. is working to reduce Russia’s ability to fund the war, aiming to displace Russian gas.
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Russian oil revenues hit record lows as war meets market reality. It seems like the situation is pretty clear: Russia’s oil revenues are taking a beating, and it’s all connected to the ongoing conflict and the realities of the global oil market. It’s not just a matter of them producing oil; it’s about how much they’re making per barrel and what they can do with it.
The key takeaway is that while Russia is still pumping a lot of oil, the money they’re making isn’t what it used to be. There are reports from different sources, like OPEC and the International Energy Agency, that show the numbers varying slightly, but the general trend is the same: production is still high, over 9 million barrels a day, but the profit margins are shrinking.… Continue reading
During the announcement of sanctions against Israel, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that Spain’s limited military capabilities, specifically the lack of nuclear weapons, aircraft carriers, and large oil reserves, prevents it from unilaterally stopping the war in Gaza. Sanchez announced an arms embargo and import ban against Israel, aimed at stopping the “genocide” in Gaza, a move that sparked a diplomatic row. This rhetoric and action further deteriorated relations between Madrid and Jerusalem, which had already been strained by Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state and criticism of Israel’s conduct. The sanctions led to reciprocal actions, including the recall of Spain’s ambassador from Tel Aviv and a ban on the entry of two Israeli ministers into Spain.
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In response to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s comments regarding potential increased sanctions aimed at collapsing the Russian economy, a prominent Russian state TV presenter and Putin ally, Vladimir Solovyov, issued a nuclear threat against the United States. Solovyov’s remarks followed Bessent’s statements about the U.S. and EU potentially partnering on sanctions to weaken Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has already sparked global concern regarding the use of nuclear weapons. Solovyov suggested Russia would resort to a nuclear strike rather than negotiate under increased economic pressure. This threat comes amidst escalating tensions in Eastern Europe, highlighted by Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, prompting Poland to invoke NATO’s Article 4.
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China has significantly increased its imports of sanctioned Russian natural gas, solidifying energy ties with Moscow despite U.S. sanctions. A sanctioned Russian tanker, the Zarya, was observed delivering its third cargo from the Arctic LNG 2 project to a terminal in southern China. This development is likely to test U.S. resolve, as record trade flows are helping the Russian economy. While the Biden administration has blacklisted the Arctic LNG 2 project, China has avoided penalties for purchasing Russian energy.
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In a recent interview, Vice President JD Vance stated that former President Donald Trump believes Russia should not be economically isolated beyond the context of its war against Ukraine. Vance emphasized Russia’s significant resources, including oil, gas, and mineral wealth, suggesting a potential for a productive economic relationship post-settlement. Trump’s stance reportedly includes lifting sanctions on Moscow, raising concerns in Kyiv and Brussels. While the U.S. has implemented some sanctions and considered expanding them, discussions continue regarding future actions and coordinated sanctions packages with Europe.
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According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Russia’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, with daily hybrid attacks, including those on infrastructure, increasing in intensity. Merz warned of a “new conflict between systems,” highlighting the alignment of Russia with China, North Korea, and Iran. European nations are responding by increasing defense investments and expanding arms production while the U.S. and EU are preparing new sanctions against Russia. The Chancellor emphasized the necessity of Europe adjusting its interests and halting Russian energy imports to align with U.S. sanctions.
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President Zelensky reported a brutal Russian airstrike in Yarova, Donetsk, resulting in over 20 civilian deaths at a location where pensions were being distributed, prompting a global response. In response, President Trump is considering additional sanctions against Russia and its trading partners due to Moscow’s intensified war efforts. However, Russia dismisses sanctions as ineffective and maintains its commitment to its goals, with President Putin stating a peace deal is “practically impossible.” The central challenges to peace negotiations are the division of territory and the future of Ukrainian security, both of which face significant legal and political obstacles.
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Following recent Russian strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for “strong actions” to follow statements of condemnation from international leaders and institutions. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for robust measures such as sanctions, tariffs, and trade restrictions to make Russia feel the economic consequences of its actions. He asserted that Russia’s refusal to negotiate necessitates such responses. Furthermore, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is relying on a strong reaction from the United States to these escalations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood