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The Kremlin has warned that the latest US sanctions on Russia’s energy sector could destabilize global markets, with Moscow pledging to take measures to minimize the impact. The sanctions, aimed at cutting Russia’s war funding, target major oil producers and vessels involved in shipping Russian oil.
The Kremlin warned on Monday that the latest round of US sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector could destabilize global markets, with Moscow vowing to take steps to mitigate their impact. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the US for attempting to undermine Russian companies through non-competitive measures but expressed confidence in Russia's ability to counteract them.
Peskov added that such sanctions would inevitably disrupt international energy markets, including oil markets, and emphasized that Russia would carefully monitor the situation and adjust the operations of its companies to minimize the consequences of what he called "illegal decisions."
The US Treasury imposed new sanctions on Friday, targeting Russian oil producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, as well as 183 vessels involved in shipping Russian oil. The measures are intended to reduce Russia’s revenue, which funds its war with Ukraine. US officials suggest the sanctions could cost Russia billions of dollars monthly if fully enforced.
In response, Chinese and Indian refiners, which have been major buyers of Russian oil, are exploring alternative crude supplies. Many of the vessels affected by the new sanctions have been transporting oil to these countries. Peskov remarked that history has shown it is difficult to permanently block energy supply routes, and that Russia would seek alternative solutions to lessen the sanctions' impact.
The collective-defence agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signals that regional powers no longer want to rely solely on external security guarantees. Whether it becomes a stabilising deterrent or another axis of rivalry remains unresolved.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 19th of August, covering the latest developments.
Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six World Central Kitchen colleagues killed in Gaza in April 2024.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint military exercises with South Korea in an effort to revive dialogue with Pyongyang.
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middle Corridor ambitions and complex economic ties with Moscow.
Kazakhstan will vote on 23 August in its first parliamentary election under the new Constitution, choosing 145 members of the new Kurultai under a fundamentally changed electoral system based entirely on party lists.
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