The European Commission, under pressure from the U.S. President, will propose an accelerated phase-out of Russian energy purchases, going beyond its initial plan to cease purchases by 2027. This announcement followed a phone call focused on increasing economic pressure on Russia. The Commission is also preparing to present a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s crypto, banks, and energy sectors. Meanwhile, the U.S. has been pushing for tougher sanctions, including tariffs on China and India, the leading buyers of Russian oil, in an attempt to push Russia to the negotiating table.
Read More
In an interview with Sky News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that Vladimir Putin is attempting to manipulate the United States and evade sanctions, hoping to break free from international isolation. Zelensky urged President Donald Trump to take a decisive stance on sanctions and security guarantees for Ukraine, highlighting the importance of a clear position. Zelensky also criticized Trump’s August summit with Putin, believing a trilateral meeting would have yielded better outcomes, and expressed his desire for direct talks with Trump, while Putin has invited him to Moscow instead. Trump, while initially optimistic about facilitating talks, has been hesitant to impose new sanctions without stronger European action.
Read More
Russia’s Pokrovsk offensive collapses into chaos — Ukrainian forces seize the moment and liberate Udachne. It seems like the situation around Pokrovsk has taken a significant turn, and the news is, well, promising, though maybe not quite a complete collapse. Udachne’s liberation is certainly a victory for the Ukrainian forces, potentially shoring up their flank. But let’s be realistic; the fighting in the South and East remains fierce, and any truly decisive shift probably needs more positive developments in the North.
There’s a sense, a feeling that this was somewhat inevitable. The Russian economy, it appears, is struggling to adequately supply the front lines.… Continue reading
In an interview with Sky News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Vladimir Putin sought to escape political isolation through the Alaska summit with Donald Trump. Zelenskyy believes Putin should have faced consequences and stopped the war, but instead, the summit provided an opportunity for “de-isolation.” He argued that Putin is attempting to avoid sanctions and is most responsive to the language of force, urging the US and European countries to take stronger and quicker action. Zelenskyy agreed that Putin is trying to trick Trump, seeking to prevent further sanctions.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood