Economy
Putin has asked the oligarchs to contribute to the budget amid a sharp rise in spending on the war in Ukraine
During a closed-door meeting with leading Russian business figures, Vladimir Putin discussed the continuation of the war against Ukraine and its funding. According to several sources, he stated his intention to continue the war and suggested that businesses make voluntary contributions to the budget.
Petrol prices have fallen sharply, but not at all petrol stations: fuel prices on 27 March
Prices at Ukrainian petrol stations have largely remained unchanged, but at one chain, petrol prices have fallen by as much as 3 hryvnias.
The US is allocating $25 million to help Ukrainian children return home
The United States is launching a new $25 million support programme to rescue Ukrainian children who, according to Ukrainian authorities, have been abducted by Russia. The programme will cover every stage – from search and rescue to repatriation and reintegration.
High petrol prices in Europe have sparked a boom in sales of second-hand electric cars – media reports
Demand for electric cars is rising rapidly against the backdrop of the war in Iran and rising fuel prices.
The US is stepping up fuel supplies to the private sector in Cuba
American suppliers have shipped around 30,000 barrels of fuel to Cuba for the private sector since the start of the year. This comes against a backdrop of restrictions on fuel supplies to the country’s public sector.
In the US, analysts are considering a scenario in which oil prices could rise to $200 a barrel
Donald Trump’s administration is analysing the potential consequences of a sharp rise in oil prices against the backdrop of a war with Iran. The focus is on preparing for various possible scenarios.
The UK has authorised the detention of shadow fleet vessels in its waters
The UK has granted the military and law enforcement agencies the power to detain vessels subject to sanctions in its territorial waters. The decision is aimed at Russia’s shadow fleet.
Iran has granted five countries permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz
Iran has announced restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and has granted transit permission only to certain countries. These are countries that Tehran considers friendly.
The EU has postponed a ban on Russian oil due to the war and the dispute over the Druzhba pipeline
The European Commission has postponed the submission of a proposal for a total ban on Russian oil imports. The decision was taken against a backdrop of rising prices and a tense situation on the energy markets.
At least 40 per cent of Russia’s oil export capacity has been halted
At least 40 per cent of Russia’s oil export capacity has been halted following a series of attacks and incidents.
The UPG network was the first among petrol stations to reduce retail fuel prices
The company has initiated a price review in light of the significant rise in the cost of petroleum products since the start of 2026.
Volkswagen will switch its German plant to producing air defence systems for Israel
The German automotive giant is in talks with the Israeli defence firm Rafael Advanced Defence Systems regarding the conversion of one of its plants to manufacture components for the Iron Dome air defence system.
