
Russia hasn't received requests from foreign companies seeking to return, Medvedev says
“No one has officially applied yet. So, they are informally probing the ground,” Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, claimed.
“No one has officially applied yet. So, they are informally probing the ground,” Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, claimed.
Budapest had initially planned to veto the sanctions renewal, citing U.S. President Donald Trump's return to the White House and the possibility of a shift in U.S. policy toward Russia.
The Trump administration dealt a blow to Russia's energy sector last week after it let lapse an exemption allowing Russian banks to use U.S. payment systems for energy transactions. The move closed an important financial channel for Russian oil and gas exports and comes as Washington looks for ways
The European Union has reached a deal with Hungary to renew sanctions on more than 2,400 primarily Russian entities and individuals hours before they were set to expire on March 15, an EU official with knowledge of the negotiations told the Kyiv independent. The EU had been braced for
Sources suggest that Russia will likely continue using digital currencies in energy trade even if Western sanctions are lifted.
"They are taking a break for now while contemplating if there are ways to work around," a source told Reuters.
The Trump administration toughened sanctions on Russia's oil and gas industry on March 13 by not renewing an exemption that allows Russian banks to access U.S. payment systems to conduct energy transactions.
Hungary’s ambassador to the EU demanded that Mikhail Fridman be removed from the sanctions list, threatening to block the extension of EU sanctions imposed on about 2,000 Russians otherwise, the Financial Times reported, citing officials familiar with the matter.
Speaking to journalists in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump said Washington has "some positive messages about a possible ceasefire." He added that a potential of the temporary truce is now up to Russia.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that any final resolution to the war would have to involve European leaders "because of their sanctions that they've imposed."
Easing the price ceiling on Russian oil is allegedly one option under consideration, Bloomberg reported.
Chinese car exports to Russia surged sevenfold in 2023 compared to 2022, as Western sanctions over Moscow’s war against Ukraine cut Russia off from brands like Volkswagen, Toyota, and BMW.
The decline is attributed to Russia prioritizing weapons production for its own military, the impact of Western sanctions, and increased pressure from the U.S. and its allies on countries purchasing Russian arms, the report said.
"I am strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions, sanctions, and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and final settlement agreement on peace is reached. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late," U.S. President Donald Trump said.
The proposed recommendations focus on lifting restrictions on the aviation and banking industries, investments, and luxury goods shipments.
"This administration has kept the enhanced sanctions in place and will not hesitate to go 'all in' should it provide leverage in peace negotiations," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on March 6.
Between Dec. 1 and Jan. 20, Russian aircraft experienced 11 engine failures—more than double the number from the previous two months, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Financial troubles have forced eight coal companies in Russia's Kemerovo Oblast to halt operations, leaving hundreds of miners without pay for months, according to Governor Ilya Seredyuk.
Canada introduced new sanctions on March 2 against 10 Russian individuals and 21 entities, including paramilitary groups.
Matthias Warnig, who led Nord Stream 2’s parent company on behalf of Kremlin-controlled gas giant Gazprom until 2023, is reportedly trying to establish contact with U.S. President Donald Trump's team through American businessmen.
"Our understanding is that they are most concerned about two things. The first thing is those oligarchs who are under U.S., EU, and U.K. sanctions because this is a real problem for them. And the second thing is what prevents Russia from making money — energy (sanctions)," said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the president's commissioner for sanctions.
Turkish imports of Russian oil plummeted in February in response to sweeping sanctions the U.S. and U.K. imposed on Russia's oil sector in January.
The decision comes amid Trump's renewed engagement with Russia, including talks on Feb. 18 on ending the war in Ukraine and the potential reopening of embassies in Washington and Moscow.
Key developments on Feb. 26: * Trump says he will meet Zelensky on Feb. 28 in Washington to sign agreement on minerals * No security guarantees in US minerals deal, to be discussed later, Zelensky says * US, Russia to meet again tomorrow in Istanbul, Lavrov says * No sanctions relief for Russia pre-deal
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 26 that Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO as part of a future peace agreement with Russia and ruled out lifting sanctions on Moscow before a deal is reached.
"No, we haven't lifted any sanctions on anybody… I guess it will be at some point, but right now, we haven't agreed to lift sanctions on anybody," Donald Trump said.
Hungary is demanding the removal of eight individuals from the EU's Russia sanctions list and guarantees on Ukraine's gas transit talks before agreeing to renew restrictions, Reuters reported on Feb. 25, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The U.K. is imposing its largest-ever package of sanctions against Russia, targeting its "shadow fleet" of tankers and foreign-based companies providing military parts to Russia, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Feb. 24.
Australia has introduced the most extensive package of sanctions since the beginning of the all-out war, while New Zealand imposed restrictions on over 50 individuals and entities.
This would mark the first time that the Russian munitions carrier Maia-1, sanctioned by the U.S. and the EU, entered European waters, the Financial Times noted.
Sanctions against Russia remain a key tool of international pressure, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna said on Feb. 19.
Key developments on Feb. 19: * Trump calls Zelensky 'dictator,' warns of Ukraine's demise without elections * Reported drone strike against Russian oil refinery in Samara Oblast causes fire * Ukraine refutes Putin's claims of Russian offensive from Kursk Oblast * North Korean troops in Russia reportedly told they're fighting South Korean forces