Ukraine

MVM Group has signed an agreement with Westinghouse to secure VVER-440 fuel supplies from 2028, reducing its reliance on Russia and strengthening nuclear cooperation between Budapest and Washington.
The Bulgarian government has increased security around Lukoil’s Burgas refinery ahead of a state-led takeover enabled by new legislation designed to circumvent international sanctions.

India and Russia strengthen nuclear cooperation with new projects

Russia and India are preparing an expanded agreement for the construction of VVER-1200 reactors and modular nuclear power plants, while accelerating work at the strategic Kudankulam site.
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Appalachia, Permian and Haynesville each reach the scale of a national producer, anchor the United States’ exportable supply and set regional differentials, LNG arbitrage and compliance constraints across the chain, amid capacity ramp-ups and reinforced sanctions.
Faced with US sanctions targeting Lukoil, Bulgaria adopts emergency legislation allowing direct control over the Balkans’ largest refinery to secure its energy supply.

Gunvor drops $22bn bid for Lukoil assets under US pressure

Swiss trader Gunvor has withdrawn its $22bn offer to acquire Lukoil’s international assets after the US Treasury announced it would block any related operating licence.
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The United States grants Hungary a one-year waiver on sanctions targeting Russian oil, in return for a commitment to purchase US liquefied natural gas worth $600mn.
Commodities trader Gunvor confirmed that the assets acquired from Lukoil will not return under Russian control, despite potential sanction relief, amid growing regulatory pressure.

Gotion Launches First Electric Vehicle Battery Factory in Slovakia for Europe

Gotion inaugurates its Gigafactory in Slovakia, marking a significant advancement in electric vehicle battery production in Europe. This site, scheduled for 2027, strengthens the continent’s green industrial chain.
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Sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the U.K. are paralyzing Lukoil's operations in Iraq, Finland, and Switzerland, putting its foreign businesses and local partners at risk.
Aramco reported a 2.3% decrease in its net profit for the third quarter, amid global economic uncertainties and an oversupply of oil, although its adjusted earnings showed a slight increase.

EU bans Russian LNG, Arctic bottlenecks and clauses under strain

The gradual ban on Russian cargoes reshapes European flows, increases winter detours via the Northern Sea Route and shifts risk toward force majeure and “change of law,” despite rising global capacity. —
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Poland’s gas market remains highly concentrated around Orlen, which controls imports, production, and distribution, while Warsaw targets internal and regional expansion backed by new infrastructure capacity and demand from heat and power.
Sofia temporarily restricts diesel and jet fuel exports to safeguard domestic supply following US sanctions targeting Lukoil, the country’s leading oil operator.

Lukoil sells its African oil assets to Gunvor under pressure from US sanctions

Swiss trader Gunvor will acquire Lukoil’s African stakes as the Russian company retreats in response to new US sanctions targeting its overseas operations.
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Elogen will supply a 1 MW PEM electrolyser for a cogeneration plant operated by Veolia Energia Slovensko, in partnership with RoyalStav, near Žiar nad Hronom.
The United States has issued a general license allowing transactions with two German subsidiaries of Rosneft, giving Berlin until April 2026 to resolve their ownership status.

Turkey locks in 19 Bcma of LNG, Moscow and Tehran under pressure

Botaş lines up a series of liquefied natural gas (LNG, liquefied natural gas) contracts that narrow the space for Russian and Iranian flows, as domestic production and import capacity strengthen its bargaining position. —
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Lukoil has started divesting its foreign assets following new US oil sanctions, a move that could reshape its overseas presence and impact supply in key European markets.
Kazakhstan is reviewing Lukoil's stakes in major oil projects after the Russian group announced plans to divest its international assets following new US sanctions.
The American bank anticipates a decline in Brent crude oil prices to $76 per barrel in 2025, driven by an oversupply in the global oil market, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
OPEC+ members meet amidst tensions over production targets, global economic uncertainties, and weak demand, particularly in China.

Swedish Defense Blocks Offshore Wind Farms in the Baltic Sea

Offshore wind farm projects in the Baltic Sea are deemed incompatible with Sweden's national defense due to the disruptions they would cause to critical military sensors.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is welcomed in Kazakhstan to discuss major energy projects amidst international rivalries with China and the West.
A major contract has been signed between Bolivia and Hong Kong CBC Investment for the construction of two lithium carbonate plants, strengthening the country's strategic position in the renewable energy sector.

Turkey negotiates a U.S. waiver to pay for Russian gas through Gazprombank

Turkey seeks a waiver from U.S. sanctions to continue paying for its gas imports via Gazprombank, which is critical to its energy security, according to Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
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Saudi, Russian, and Iraqi ministers met in Baghdad to discuss production quotas and oil market stability ahead of the crucial OPEC+ meeting scheduled for December 1.
The European Commission welcomes a new team of commissioners tasked with shaping energy policy. However, the absence of strong nuclear advocates in key positions raises questions about the future of this energy source in the Union.

India and Guyana: A Growing Energy Partnership

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Guyana paves the way for long-term crude oil import agreements, strengthening India’s energy ambitions amidst fierce European competition.
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Despite commitments to OPEC+ to limit production, the United Arab Emirates shows oil export volumes well above quotas. This situation raises questions and rekindles tensions within the cartel.
Kogas and several Japanese LNG buyers confirmed they do not use the Russian bank Gazprombank, sanctioned by the United States, for transactions related to the Sakhalin 2 project, ensuring no impact on their imports.

Natural gas prices hit record highs in Europe and the United States: diverging causes

Natural gas prices are soaring, reaching a record high in the United States and Europe for the past year, driven by weather forecasts for one and geopolitical tensions for the other.
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In response to IAEA criticism, Iran has activated new advanced centrifuges, escalating its nuclear program and heightening tensions with Western powers.
Between low margins, rising taxes, and rail delays, Russian refineries struggle to sustain operations, while modernization projects are hindered by high interest rates and Western sanctions.

Strategic Alliance Between Russia and Iraq: Stabilizing Oil Prices Through OPEC+

Russia and Iraq strengthen their cooperation within OPEC+ to manage oil price fluctuations. This coordination is crucial for their respective budgets amidst sanctions and heavy reliance on oil revenues.
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A dispute between Gazprom and OMV disrupts Europe’s energy balance. Despite stable flows via Ukraine, legal and economic tensions increase the challenges of the European Union’s energy diplomacy.
The Trump administration plans to support nuclear energy and domestic uranium production. However, questions remain about future budgets and priorities amid competing spending demands.

Hungary Revises the Cost of Its Paks II Nuclear Project Upward

Hungary proposes a budget increase for its Paks II nuclear project, a strategic initiative funded by Russia but facing technical, economic, and geopolitical challenges.
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Enel, Leonardo, and Ansaldo Nucleare join forces to study small modular reactors, marking a potential turning point for nuclear energy in Italy after decades of withdrawal.
Following the suspension of Russian gas deliveries to OMV, the Mukran LNG terminal offers exceptional backup capacity to cover Austria’s annual energy demand.