Sanctions
The state-owned Russian VTB Bank initiated the bankruptcy of the "First Oil" group due to a debt of $78. 3 million. The assets of the company, which produces up to 500,000 tons of oil per year, will come under the control of state structures.
The US Supreme Court has overturned President Donald Trump's far-reaching global tariffs. The decision was made by a majority vote (6 to 3) and concerns tariffs imposed by Trump under emergency powers law.
Chinese refiners are actively buying Russian oil, replacing India as the main buyer. Russian crude oil supplies to China rose to 2.09 million barrels per day in February.
India imports the largest amount of crude oil from Saudi Arabia in over six years as the US pressures it to reduce purchases of Russian oil products.
The European Union aims to adopt the 20th package of sanctions against Russia next Monday. The sanctions are causing serious damage to the Russian economy, limiting its ability to wage war.
Chinese drone exports to Russia are being carried out via Thailand. The volume of drone supplies from Thailand to Russia has sharply increased since 2022.
American financier Gentry Beach, linked to the Trump family, has struck a deal with Russia's Novatek to develop a gas project in Alaska. This cooperation comes amid Russia's war against Ukraine and Western sanctions.
The Trump administration is threatening European countries with retaliatory measures if the EU prioritizes domestic arms manufacturers. The Pentagon warned that restricting access for American arms manufacturers to the European market would provoke a reaction.
Economist Bohdan Dolintse stated that Defence City has significant advantages but is not a universal solution for all market players. He highlighted the lack of incentives for production localization and formal barriers for potential residents.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban published a campaign video before the elections, featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Orban made accusations.
U. S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending sanctions against Russia for one year, which were imposed in 2014 due to the invasion of Ukraine. Russia's actions continue to pose a threat to U.S. national security.
Ukraine will not boycott the 2026 Paralympics; Ukrainian Paralympians will compete. The decision regarding participation in the opening ceremony will be announced later.
Relations between the US and Iran are escalating over Tehran's nuclear program, threatening a major war in the Middle East. Ukraine is interested in peace to avoid rising oil prices and the strengthening of the Russian Federation.
Hungary is considering halting electricity and gas exports to Ukraine if Kyiv does not resume the supply of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of delaying the resumption of supplies for political reasons.
Heads of five European intelligence agencies do not believe in a quick end to the war, despite Trump's statements. They believe that Russia is using negotiations to weaken sanctions and is not seeking peace.
The Prosecutor General's Office has launched the "StopPressure" portal to combat pressure on businesses, and 169 appeals have already been considered. However, some high-profile cases, such as the persecution of the "Konstanta" group, still remain without a logical conclusion.
At the same time, the channel plans to show the opening and closing ceremonies and inform viewers about the context of the admission of athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned the US against igniting a tariff war and expressed hope for a partnership with China. He plans to discuss this issue with Donald Trump in Washington and with Chinese leaders during a visit to China.
Kremlin special representative Kirill Dmitriev stated that the US will lift sanctions against Russia, as they have cost American businesses over $300 billion. He claims that the portfolio of potential US-Russian projects amounts to over $14 trillion.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on Europe to truly support Ukraine by providing it with all weapons, including long-range missiles. He emphasized the need to stop Russia's "shadow fleet" activities and unfreeze Russian assets.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine state that the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes under national flags to the Paralympic Games is unacceptable. This decision undermines trust in international sports and justifies the crimes of the aggressors.
Expert Serhiy Kuyun states that the cessation of diesel fuel supplies from Hungary and Slovakia is not critical for Ukraine. These supplies account for up to 10% of the market and can be easily replaced.
Russia has classified key economic data, concealing the real level of poverty and the state of the economy. 168 tables were removed from statistical compilations, and 115 indicators stopped being updated in the Unified Interdepartmental Information and Statistical System (EMISS).
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced the cessation of diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine. This decision followed the suspension of oil transportation through the Druzhba pipeline.
A special legal regime, Defence City, has been launched in Ukraine to scale up defense production. However, the requirements for residents, particularly regarding the absence of criminal proceedings, raise questions and may hinder the industry's development.
Hungary and Slovakia have approached the European Commission regarding the possibility of purchasing Russian oil via sea routes. The Hungarian company MOL has already ordered the first batches, which are expected to arrive in early March.
The European Commission has confirmed contacts with Ukraine regarding the repair of the "Druzhba" oil pipeline, which is hindering the supply of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. These countries have 90-day reserve stocks, which eliminates short-term risks to supply security.
The relevant ministry believes that the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Paralympic Games under national flags is outrageous and effectively contributes to the "normalization" of Russia's war against Ukraine.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions against Lukashenka for his assistance in Russian aggression. Zelenskyy stated that Belarus is helping Russia circumvent sanctions and supplies components for missiles.
Six Russian and four Belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete under national flags at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina. Russia received six spots in para-alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding, while Belarus received four spots in cross-country skiing.