REUTERS
"Putin calls 'sabotage' against Nord Stream an 'act of international terrorism' - Kremlin"
Reuters
September 29, 2022
MOSCOW, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the "unprecedented sabotage" against the Nord Stream gas pipelines was "an act of international terrorism," the Kremlin said in a statement.
Putin made the remarks in phone call with his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan.
He also said it was necessary to fulfil an internationally-brokered deal on Ukrainian grain exports, including the removal of barriers for Russian food and fertilizer supplies to the global markets, the Kremlin said.
Reporting by Reuters; editing by David Ljunggren and Chris Reese
https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-cal ... 022-09-29/
RUSSIA
Re: RUSSIA
REUTERS
"Putin accuses West of blowing up pipelines as Europe steps up vigilance"
By Jake Cordell and Nina Chestney
September 30, 2022
Summary
* Putin blames West for wrecking Nord Stream
* EU still investigating cause of pipeline leaks this week
* Europe scrambles to secure other energy infrastructure
* Italy strengthens surveillance on gas pipelines
* Infrastructure attacks threaten regional conflict: analyst
TBILISI/LONDON, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday blamed the United States and its allies for blowing up the undersea Nord Stream pipelines, raising the temperature in a crisis that has left Europe racing to secure its energy infrastructure and supplies.
In a speech to mark the annexation of four Ukrainian regions invaded by Russian forces, Putin offered no evidence for the claim.
Russia has previously said the United States would profit from attacks on Europe's energy infrastructure.
"The sanctions were not enough for the Anglo-Saxons: they moved onto sabotage," Putin said.
"It is hard to believe but it is a fact that they organised the blasts on the Nord Stream international gas pipelines."
"They began to destroy the pan-European energy infrastructure," Putin said.
"It is clear to everyone who benefits from this."
"Of course, he who benefits did it."
Putin's accusation is likely to be strongly resisted by European countries.
The United States, which has said it was too early to confirm it was sabotage, has dismissed talk it was responsible.
European Union states, once heavily reliant on Russia and now trying to find alternative gas supplies, say they believe leaks were caused by sabotage, but have stopped short of naming anyone.
They are racing to secure other energy infrastructure.
The Nord Stream pipelines, which were not pumping gas to Europe when the leaks were found but had gas in them, have been flashpoints in an energy standoff between the West and Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, fuelling a cost-of-living crisis.
The EU is still investigating how Russia's Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines burst this week, draining gas into the Baltic Sea off the coast of Denmark and Sweden.
Seismologists registered explosions in the area.
The ruptures might mark the biggest single release of methane ever recorded, the United Nations Environment Programme said on Friday, as researchers detected a huge plume of methane in satellite imagery this week.
Gas will continue to pour out of Nord Stream 1 until Sunday, the Danish energy agency said on Friday, though the leak on Nord Stream 2 is expected to cease on Saturday.
WIDER CONFLICT
The pipeline incident has prompted European countries to step up vigilance over other critical infrastructure, which looks suddenly much more vulnerable.
Italy, which was an early starter in weaning off Russian supplies, has strengthened naval surveillance and controls on pipelines bringing gas to the country from the south and east, senior officials told Reuters.
That includes the TransMed pipeline, which connects Algeria to Sicily, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) running from Azerbaijan to Apulia, and the GreenStream connection between Libya and Sicily.
Rome also raised its alert on the Trans Austria Gas (TAG) pipeline that brings fuel from the Nordics to the north-east of Italy.
Poland's electricity grid operator on Friday meanwhile announced checks on an undersea cable carrying power from Sweden that crosses the damaged Nord Stream pipelines.
There is also heightened focus on the Baltic Pipe, a project that was unveiled this week.
A rival to the Nord Stream network, the Baltic Pipe will transport gas to the Danish and Polish markets and end-users in neighbouring countries from Oct. 1.
"The risk to near-term gas flows has risen sharply on fears that further sabotage could occur on critical gas import pipelines," Fitch Solutions said in a note, citing the Baltic Pipeline.
"The possibility of additional acts of sabotage on critical infrastructure is a growing risk that would raise the risk of tipping the war into a wider regional conflict."
Norway, a major Russian rival on gas supplies, will deploy its military to protect oil and gas installations against possible sabotage after warnings of unidentified drone sightings in September.
Britain, France and Germany will also help.
Germany's energy regulator called in a Reuters interview for more protection for critical energy infrastructure.
With no gas flowing through Nord Stream for the foreseeable future, European countries are racing to secure more energy supplies and trying to cushion households from an explosion in prices since last year.
European Union countries on Friday agreed to impose emergency levies on energy firms' windfall profits and began more fraught talks on imposing a bloc-wide gas price cap.
In the Netherlands, citizens have started stockpiling wood and coal to save on rocketing gas bills.
Poland and the Czech Republic have asked the European Commission to revive a stalled gas pipeline project connecting the two countries.
The gas network operators of Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia have also proposed shipping additional natural gas supply pledged by Azerbaijan to Europe.
Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Matthias Williams; Editing by Jan Harvey and Emelia Sithole-Matarise
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ru ... 022-09-30/
"Putin accuses West of blowing up pipelines as Europe steps up vigilance"
By Jake Cordell and Nina Chestney
September 30, 2022
Summary
* Putin blames West for wrecking Nord Stream
* EU still investigating cause of pipeline leaks this week
* Europe scrambles to secure other energy infrastructure
* Italy strengthens surveillance on gas pipelines
* Infrastructure attacks threaten regional conflict: analyst
TBILISI/LONDON, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday blamed the United States and its allies for blowing up the undersea Nord Stream pipelines, raising the temperature in a crisis that has left Europe racing to secure its energy infrastructure and supplies.
In a speech to mark the annexation of four Ukrainian regions invaded by Russian forces, Putin offered no evidence for the claim.
Russia has previously said the United States would profit from attacks on Europe's energy infrastructure.
"The sanctions were not enough for the Anglo-Saxons: they moved onto sabotage," Putin said.
"It is hard to believe but it is a fact that they organised the blasts on the Nord Stream international gas pipelines."
"They began to destroy the pan-European energy infrastructure," Putin said.
"It is clear to everyone who benefits from this."
"Of course, he who benefits did it."
Putin's accusation is likely to be strongly resisted by European countries.
The United States, which has said it was too early to confirm it was sabotage, has dismissed talk it was responsible.
European Union states, once heavily reliant on Russia and now trying to find alternative gas supplies, say they believe leaks were caused by sabotage, but have stopped short of naming anyone.
They are racing to secure other energy infrastructure.
The Nord Stream pipelines, which were not pumping gas to Europe when the leaks were found but had gas in them, have been flashpoints in an energy standoff between the West and Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, fuelling a cost-of-living crisis.
The EU is still investigating how Russia's Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines burst this week, draining gas into the Baltic Sea off the coast of Denmark and Sweden.
Seismologists registered explosions in the area.
The ruptures might mark the biggest single release of methane ever recorded, the United Nations Environment Programme said on Friday, as researchers detected a huge plume of methane in satellite imagery this week.
Gas will continue to pour out of Nord Stream 1 until Sunday, the Danish energy agency said on Friday, though the leak on Nord Stream 2 is expected to cease on Saturday.
WIDER CONFLICT
The pipeline incident has prompted European countries to step up vigilance over other critical infrastructure, which looks suddenly much more vulnerable.
Italy, which was an early starter in weaning off Russian supplies, has strengthened naval surveillance and controls on pipelines bringing gas to the country from the south and east, senior officials told Reuters.
That includes the TransMed pipeline, which connects Algeria to Sicily, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) running from Azerbaijan to Apulia, and the GreenStream connection between Libya and Sicily.
Rome also raised its alert on the Trans Austria Gas (TAG) pipeline that brings fuel from the Nordics to the north-east of Italy.
Poland's electricity grid operator on Friday meanwhile announced checks on an undersea cable carrying power from Sweden that crosses the damaged Nord Stream pipelines.
There is also heightened focus on the Baltic Pipe, a project that was unveiled this week.
A rival to the Nord Stream network, the Baltic Pipe will transport gas to the Danish and Polish markets and end-users in neighbouring countries from Oct. 1.
"The risk to near-term gas flows has risen sharply on fears that further sabotage could occur on critical gas import pipelines," Fitch Solutions said in a note, citing the Baltic Pipeline.
"The possibility of additional acts of sabotage on critical infrastructure is a growing risk that would raise the risk of tipping the war into a wider regional conflict."
Norway, a major Russian rival on gas supplies, will deploy its military to protect oil and gas installations against possible sabotage after warnings of unidentified drone sightings in September.
Britain, France and Germany will also help.
Germany's energy regulator called in a Reuters interview for more protection for critical energy infrastructure.
With no gas flowing through Nord Stream for the foreseeable future, European countries are racing to secure more energy supplies and trying to cushion households from an explosion in prices since last year.
European Union countries on Friday agreed to impose emergency levies on energy firms' windfall profits and began more fraught talks on imposing a bloc-wide gas price cap.
In the Netherlands, citizens have started stockpiling wood and coal to save on rocketing gas bills.
Poland and the Czech Republic have asked the European Commission to revive a stalled gas pipeline project connecting the two countries.
The gas network operators of Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia have also proposed shipping additional natural gas supply pledged by Azerbaijan to Europe.
Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Matthias Williams; Editing by Jan Harvey and Emelia Sithole-Matarise
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ru ... 022-09-30/
Re: RUSSIA
REUTERS
"Gas crisis set to worsen after Europe burns through winter stocks"
By Essi Lehto and Kate Abnett
October 5, 2022
Summary
* European gas storage tanks around 90% full
* Gazprom resumes exports to Italy
* Kremlin wants to join Nord Stream leaks inquiry
* EU divided over proposals for gas price cap
HELSINKI/BRUSSELS, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Europe may face an even more acute energy crunch next year after draining its natural gas tanks to get through the cold of this winter, the head of the International Energy Agency said on Wednesday, as the EU looks for ways to ease the crisis.
European countries have filled storage tanks to around 90% of their capacity after Russia cut gas supplies in response to Western sanctions imposed over its invasion of Ukraine.
Gas prices , which surged in the months after the invasion in February, have retreated.
But that could be short-lived as countries compete to buy liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other alternatives to Russian pipeline deliveries.
To help tackle the pain, the European Union is considering a gas price cap, an issue that has divided the 27-nation bloc as some countries worry it could make securing supplies harder.
"With gas storages almost at 90%, Europe will survive the coming winter with just some bruises as long as there are no political or technical surprises," said Fatih Birol, executive director of the Paris-based IEA.
The real challenges facing Europe, which had historically relied on Russia for around 40% of its natural gas, will begin in February or March when storage needs to be refilled after high winter demand has drained them to 25%-30%.
"This winter is difficult but next winter may also be very difficult," Birol told journalists in Finland.
European governments have moved to cushion consumers from the impact of higher prices and on Wednesday, Germany said it will subsidise power bills next year by paying just under 13 billion euros ($12.8 billion) towards the usage fees charged by the four high-voltage transmission grid companies (TSOs).
The fees form part of electricity bills, accounting for around 10% of overall costs for retail customers and a third for industrial companies in sectors such as steel or chemicals.
Berlin's intervention stabilises the fees, which otherwise would have risen three-fold given runaway wholesale power prices and rising operational costs for the TSOs, Germany's economy minister Robert Habeck said.
Until the Ukraine war broke out in late February, the Nord Stream 1 pipeline beneath the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany was one of western Europe's main sources of gas.
Nord Stream 1 comprises two separate lines as does Nord Stream 2, which was filled with gas, but never allowed to deliver supplies to Europe as Germany suspended authorisation just before Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Three of the four lines have been disabled by what the West and Russia say was sabotage causing huge leaks and the Danish authorities said the fourth was being depressurised on Tuesday.
SABOTAGE?
President Vladimir Putin on Friday blamed the United States and its allies, allegations rejected by Washington.
Russia has condemned what it called "stupid" theories in the West that it sabotaged the pipelines itself in explosions last week.
The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia must be part of investigations into the incidents, while one of Putin's allies said they recalled the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency-backed attacks on oil infrastructure in Nicaragua in 1983.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen for her part said EU countries needed to step up protection of their critical infrastructure by conducting stress tests and using satellite surveillance to detect potential threats.
She was speaking in the European Parliament ahead of a meeting of leaders of the 27 EU countries on Friday in Prague when they will debate the EU price cap plan.
The details have yet to be worked out, but the idea has support from the majority of countries that see it as a way to deal with inflation.
It has, however, faced opposition from Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands that cite concerns it will make it harder to secure supplies.
Von der Leyen said in her speech countries should also start jointly buying gas to avoid EU member states bidding against each other on world markets and driving prices still higher.
Earlier tensions in the gas market had eased as Russia's energy company Gazprom on Wednesday resumed gas exports to Italy via Austria after resolving an issue over guarantees that had led to the suspension of flows over the weekend.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday that Russia may cut oil production in order to offset negative effects from price caps imposed by the West over Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
The price cap plan agreed by Group of Seven wealthy nations calls for participating countries to deny insurance, finance, brokering, navigation and other services to oil cargoes priced above a yet-to-be-determined price cap on crude and oil products.
Reporting by Reuters bureaus; Writing by Barbara Lewis and Alexander Smith; Editing by Edmund Blair, Jane Merriman and Emelia Sithole-Matarise
https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/ ... 022-10-05/
"Gas crisis set to worsen after Europe burns through winter stocks"
By Essi Lehto and Kate Abnett
October 5, 2022
Summary
* European gas storage tanks around 90% full
* Gazprom resumes exports to Italy
* Kremlin wants to join Nord Stream leaks inquiry
* EU divided over proposals for gas price cap
HELSINKI/BRUSSELS, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Europe may face an even more acute energy crunch next year after draining its natural gas tanks to get through the cold of this winter, the head of the International Energy Agency said on Wednesday, as the EU looks for ways to ease the crisis.
European countries have filled storage tanks to around 90% of their capacity after Russia cut gas supplies in response to Western sanctions imposed over its invasion of Ukraine.
Gas prices , which surged in the months after the invasion in February, have retreated.
But that could be short-lived as countries compete to buy liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other alternatives to Russian pipeline deliveries.
To help tackle the pain, the European Union is considering a gas price cap, an issue that has divided the 27-nation bloc as some countries worry it could make securing supplies harder.
"With gas storages almost at 90%, Europe will survive the coming winter with just some bruises as long as there are no political or technical surprises," said Fatih Birol, executive director of the Paris-based IEA.
The real challenges facing Europe, which had historically relied on Russia for around 40% of its natural gas, will begin in February or March when storage needs to be refilled after high winter demand has drained them to 25%-30%.
"This winter is difficult but next winter may also be very difficult," Birol told journalists in Finland.
European governments have moved to cushion consumers from the impact of higher prices and on Wednesday, Germany said it will subsidise power bills next year by paying just under 13 billion euros ($12.8 billion) towards the usage fees charged by the four high-voltage transmission grid companies (TSOs).
The fees form part of electricity bills, accounting for around 10% of overall costs for retail customers and a third for industrial companies in sectors such as steel or chemicals.
Berlin's intervention stabilises the fees, which otherwise would have risen three-fold given runaway wholesale power prices and rising operational costs for the TSOs, Germany's economy minister Robert Habeck said.
Until the Ukraine war broke out in late February, the Nord Stream 1 pipeline beneath the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany was one of western Europe's main sources of gas.
Nord Stream 1 comprises two separate lines as does Nord Stream 2, which was filled with gas, but never allowed to deliver supplies to Europe as Germany suspended authorisation just before Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Three of the four lines have been disabled by what the West and Russia say was sabotage causing huge leaks and the Danish authorities said the fourth was being depressurised on Tuesday.
SABOTAGE?
President Vladimir Putin on Friday blamed the United States and its allies, allegations rejected by Washington.
Russia has condemned what it called "stupid" theories in the West that it sabotaged the pipelines itself in explosions last week.
The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia must be part of investigations into the incidents, while one of Putin's allies said they recalled the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency-backed attacks on oil infrastructure in Nicaragua in 1983.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen for her part said EU countries needed to step up protection of their critical infrastructure by conducting stress tests and using satellite surveillance to detect potential threats.
She was speaking in the European Parliament ahead of a meeting of leaders of the 27 EU countries on Friday in Prague when they will debate the EU price cap plan.
The details have yet to be worked out, but the idea has support from the majority of countries that see it as a way to deal with inflation.
It has, however, faced opposition from Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands that cite concerns it will make it harder to secure supplies.
Von der Leyen said in her speech countries should also start jointly buying gas to avoid EU member states bidding against each other on world markets and driving prices still higher.
Earlier tensions in the gas market had eased as Russia's energy company Gazprom on Wednesday resumed gas exports to Italy via Austria after resolving an issue over guarantees that had led to the suspension of flows over the weekend.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday that Russia may cut oil production in order to offset negative effects from price caps imposed by the West over Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
The price cap plan agreed by Group of Seven wealthy nations calls for participating countries to deny insurance, finance, brokering, navigation and other services to oil cargoes priced above a yet-to-be-determined price cap on crude and oil products.
Reporting by Reuters bureaus; Writing by Barbara Lewis and Alexander Smith; Editing by Edmund Blair, Jane Merriman and Emelia Sithole-Matarise
https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/ ... 022-10-05/
Re: RUSSIA
REUTERS
"Putin orders Russia to seize Exxon-led Sakhalin 1 oil and gas project"
By Sabrina Valle
MOSCOW/HOUSTON, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree, published on Friday, to set up a new operator for the Sakhalin 1 oil and gas project, following similar steps to seize other oil and gas projects with foreign participation.
Exxon Mobil Corp, with a 30% stake, was the operator of Sakhalin-1, a development in Russia's Far East.
The largest U.S. producer has been trying to exit Russia operations since March, days after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Exxon declined to comment on Friday's decree.
In April, Exxon took a $4.6 billion impairment charge for exiting its Russian activities, leaving Sakhalin-1 operation open for a takeover from a partner.
It also proceeded to reduce oil and gas production volumes and remove personnel from the country.
In August, Putin issued the Presidential Decree 520 which Exxon said impedes the company to conclude the exit safely.
The producer then escalated the dispute and issued a note of difference that could ultimately end up in an arbitration process.
Exxon's head of upstream operations said on Tuesday it was still working with its partners on its exit.
A transfer of operation to a partner would be a positive outcome for Exxon.
The Russian company Rosneft is a partner in the project along with ONGC Videsh, the overseas investment arm of India's ONGC, and Japan's SODECO.
The decree said the Russian government was setting up a new Russian limited liability company, which would own the investors' rights, including the operator's rights of Exxon Neftegaz Ltd.
It said the foreign partners should apply to the government within a month after the new company is set up, to notify it of their agreement to take up shares in the new entity in accordance with their stakes in the previous company.
The Rosneft subsidiary Sakhalinmorneftegaz-shelf is appointed as the manager of the new company.
Oil production at the Sakhalin-1 project fell to just 10,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 220,000 bpd after sanctions were imposed on Moscow by Western powers over its military campaign in Ukraine.
Putin also signed a decree in July seizing full control of Sakhalin-2, another gas and oil project in the Russian Far East created on the basis of a production-sharing agreement signed in 1990s.
Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Marguerita Choy
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ru ... 022-10-07/
"Putin orders Russia to seize Exxon-led Sakhalin 1 oil and gas project"
By Sabrina Valle
MOSCOW/HOUSTON, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree, published on Friday, to set up a new operator for the Sakhalin 1 oil and gas project, following similar steps to seize other oil and gas projects with foreign participation.
Exxon Mobil Corp, with a 30% stake, was the operator of Sakhalin-1, a development in Russia's Far East.
The largest U.S. producer has been trying to exit Russia operations since March, days after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Exxon declined to comment on Friday's decree.
In April, Exxon took a $4.6 billion impairment charge for exiting its Russian activities, leaving Sakhalin-1 operation open for a takeover from a partner.
It also proceeded to reduce oil and gas production volumes and remove personnel from the country.
In August, Putin issued the Presidential Decree 520 which Exxon said impedes the company to conclude the exit safely.
The producer then escalated the dispute and issued a note of difference that could ultimately end up in an arbitration process.
Exxon's head of upstream operations said on Tuesday it was still working with its partners on its exit.
A transfer of operation to a partner would be a positive outcome for Exxon.
The Russian company Rosneft is a partner in the project along with ONGC Videsh, the overseas investment arm of India's ONGC, and Japan's SODECO.
The decree said the Russian government was setting up a new Russian limited liability company, which would own the investors' rights, including the operator's rights of Exxon Neftegaz Ltd.
It said the foreign partners should apply to the government within a month after the new company is set up, to notify it of their agreement to take up shares in the new entity in accordance with their stakes in the previous company.
The Rosneft subsidiary Sakhalinmorneftegaz-shelf is appointed as the manager of the new company.
Oil production at the Sakhalin-1 project fell to just 10,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 220,000 bpd after sanctions were imposed on Moscow by Western powers over its military campaign in Ukraine.
Putin also signed a decree in July seizing full control of Sakhalin-2, another gas and oil project in the Russian Far East created on the basis of a production-sharing agreement signed in 1990s.
Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Marguerita Choy
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ru ... 022-10-07/
Re: RUSSIA
REUTERS
"U.S. may block Russian aluminum imports - source"
By Trevor Hunnicutt
October 12, 2022
WASHINGTON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - The Biden administration is weighing restricting imports of Russian aluminum as it charts possible responses to Moscow's military escalation in Ukraine, a person briefed on the conversations told Reuters.
Such a move, which has not been finalized, would likely boost global prices for the metal used in a wide range of consumer products and could reverse a previous White House stance that such sanctions could wreak havoc on global markets.
"We're always considering all options," said a White House official.
"There is no movement on this as of now."
The Treasury and Commerce departments did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
The administration's choices include an outright ban, raising tariffs to levels so punitive they would constitute an effective ban, or sanctioning United Co Rusal International PJSC, the company also known as Rusal that produces Russia's metal, according to Bloomberg, which first reported the conversations about an aluminum ban earlier on Wednesday.
Rusal, the world's largest aluminum producer outside China, did not immediately reply to a Reuters' request for comment.
Russian attacks using more than 100 missiles have killed at least 26 people across Ukraine since Monday, when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered what he called retaliatory strikes against Ukraine for an explosion on a bridge.
"It's brutal, it's beyond the pale," President Joe Biden said on Wednesday, a day after he pledged ongoing assistance to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Shares of U.S.-based aluminum producer Alcoa Corp were last trading up 5.1% in New York, following the report.
Shares of Rio Tinto Plc, which produces aluminum as well as iron ore, copper and other metals, fell about 1% on Wednesday in London.
Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Additional reporting by Ernest Scheyder, Katharine Jackson, Chris Gallagher and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Tim Ahmann, Nick Macfie, Mark Porter and Deepa Babington
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodi ... 022-10-12/
"U.S. may block Russian aluminum imports - source"
By Trevor Hunnicutt
October 12, 2022
WASHINGTON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - The Biden administration is weighing restricting imports of Russian aluminum as it charts possible responses to Moscow's military escalation in Ukraine, a person briefed on the conversations told Reuters.
Such a move, which has not been finalized, would likely boost global prices for the metal used in a wide range of consumer products and could reverse a previous White House stance that such sanctions could wreak havoc on global markets.
"We're always considering all options," said a White House official.
"There is no movement on this as of now."
The Treasury and Commerce departments did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
The administration's choices include an outright ban, raising tariffs to levels so punitive they would constitute an effective ban, or sanctioning United Co Rusal International PJSC, the company also known as Rusal that produces Russia's metal, according to Bloomberg, which first reported the conversations about an aluminum ban earlier on Wednesday.
Rusal, the world's largest aluminum producer outside China, did not immediately reply to a Reuters' request for comment.
Russian attacks using more than 100 missiles have killed at least 26 people across Ukraine since Monday, when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered what he called retaliatory strikes against Ukraine for an explosion on a bridge.
"It's brutal, it's beyond the pale," President Joe Biden said on Wednesday, a day after he pledged ongoing assistance to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Shares of U.S.-based aluminum producer Alcoa Corp were last trading up 5.1% in New York, following the report.
Shares of Rio Tinto Plc, which produces aluminum as well as iron ore, copper and other metals, fell about 1% on Wednesday in London.
Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Additional reporting by Ernest Scheyder, Katharine Jackson, Chris Gallagher and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Tim Ahmann, Nick Macfie, Mark Porter and Deepa Babington
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodi ... 022-10-12/
Re: RUSSIA
REUTERS
"Aluminium spikes 7% after report of U.S. ban of Russian supplies"
Reuters
October 12, 2022
LONDON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) soared on Wednesday after Bloomberg reported that the United States was considering a ban on Russian aluminium in response to the conflict in Ukraine.
Benchmark aluminium was up 3.3% at $2,309 a tonne at 1612 GMT after briefly spiking 7.3% to $2,400 a tonne.
The Biden administration is considering raising tariffs on Russian aluminum to levels so punitive they would effectively ban Russian aluminium producer Rusal, Bloomberg said, citing unnamed people familiar with the decision-making.
The White House and the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
Rusal is the world's largest aluminium producer outside China, supplying the world with 6% of its needs estimated at around 70 million tonnes this year.
It too did not immediately respond to request for comment.
A ban would almost certainly send prices soaring.
After the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Rusal and the LME barred its metal in 2018, aluminium prices rose 30% over the course of a few days.
The LME last week launched a discussion paper on the possibility of banning Russian aluminium, nickel and copper from being traded and stored in its system.
Sources in the metal industry say there is concern that Russian metal producers will be unable to sell their metal and will deliver it to registered LME warehouses, which could distort prices.
Western countries have imposed sanctions on Russian banks and wealthy individuals connected to President Vladimir Putin since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February, but so far there are no restrictions on buying Russian metal.
Reporting by Eric Onstad and Pratima Desai; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Barbara Lewis
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuter
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodi ... 022-10-12/
"Aluminium spikes 7% after report of U.S. ban of Russian supplies"
Reuters
October 12, 2022
LONDON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) soared on Wednesday after Bloomberg reported that the United States was considering a ban on Russian aluminium in response to the conflict in Ukraine.
Benchmark aluminium was up 3.3% at $2,309 a tonne at 1612 GMT after briefly spiking 7.3% to $2,400 a tonne.
The Biden administration is considering raising tariffs on Russian aluminum to levels so punitive they would effectively ban Russian aluminium producer Rusal, Bloomberg said, citing unnamed people familiar with the decision-making.
The White House and the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
Rusal is the world's largest aluminium producer outside China, supplying the world with 6% of its needs estimated at around 70 million tonnes this year.
It too did not immediately respond to request for comment.
A ban would almost certainly send prices soaring.
After the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Rusal and the LME barred its metal in 2018, aluminium prices rose 30% over the course of a few days.
The LME last week launched a discussion paper on the possibility of banning Russian aluminium, nickel and copper from being traded and stored in its system.
Sources in the metal industry say there is concern that Russian metal producers will be unable to sell their metal and will deliver it to registered LME warehouses, which could distort prices.
Western countries have imposed sanctions on Russian banks and wealthy individuals connected to President Vladimir Putin since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February, but so far there are no restrictions on buying Russian metal.
Reporting by Eric Onstad and Pratima Desai; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Barbara Lewis
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuter
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodi ... 022-10-12/
Re: RUSSIA
REUTERS
"U.S. warns of sanctions against suppliers of ammunition to Russia"
By Daphne Psaledakis, Karen Freifeld and Andrea Shalal
October 14, 2022
WASHINGTON, Oct 14 (Reuters) - The United States on Friday warned it can impose sanctions on people, countries and companies that provide ammunition to Russia or support its military-industrial complex, as Washington seeks to increase pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, at a first-of-its kind gathering with officials from 32 countries and the United States to discuss sanctions on Russia, made clear that Washington is prepared to take action against those outside the United States evading Washington's sanctions.
Officials at the meeting, which included representatives from EU countries, Canada and South Korea, discussed additional steps planned to target Russia's military-industrial complex and the effects of several rafts of sanctions imposed by Washington and its partners over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, which has killed or wounded thousands.
The Treasury Department also warned that Washington is prepared to impose sanctions on those providing ammunition or other military goods to Russia as well as private military companies or paramilitary groups that participate in or support Russia's war in Ukraine.
In addition, the Treasury, Commerce and State departments issued an alert outlining actions that have been taken against Russia’s military-industrial complex and noting the risks those providing material support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine face.
The alert said that by restricting Russia's access to advanced goods, technology and services, Washington and its partners have impacted Russia's ability to replace weapons, including over 6,000 pieces of military equipment destroyed in the war.
The United States at the meeting was also set to warn that Russia is "expending munitions at an unsustainable rate" and turning to countries like Iran and North Korea for supplies and equipment, including, drones, rockets and artillery munitions, according to a copy of the presentation from Morgan Muir, deputy director of national intelligence for mission integration, seen by Reuters.
The export control measures imposed by Washington and a coalition of 37 countries have had an impact, according to the presentation, with Russia's defense industry reliant on imported microelectronics and other parts.
A critical shortage of bearings is undermining the production of tanks, aircraft, submarines and other military systems, the presentation noted.
Muir was also set to caution at the meeting that Russian intelligence services are seeking to illicitly acquire Western technology and parts barred from Russia under U.S. measures.
The network used to acquire the technology includes oligarchs, proxies and front companies, and targets Europe and North America as a priority, according to the presentation.
Earlier this year, Washington imposed sweeping new restrictions on shipments to Russia of U.S. and foreign goods, if made with U.S. equipment or technology, in an effort to degrade Russia's military and industrial sectors.
The controls primarily target Russia’s defense, aerospace, and maritime sectors.
They also target Russia’s energy production sector as well as luxury goods used by Russian elites.
The restrictions from Washington and its allies have reduced semiconductor imports, critical to Russia's weaponry, by 70%, according to the alert.
As a result, Russian hypersonic ballistic missile production has nearly ceased and the production of cars fell by three-quarters compared to last year.
Asked how much more Western allies could do to increase pressure on Russia, one European finance official said, "We can extend the list of people who are under sanctions."
"We can extend the number of goods that have export restrictions."
Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Karen Freifeld, Andrea Shalal and Susan Heavey; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Alistair Bell
https://www.reuters.com/world/sanctions ... 022-10-14/
"U.S. warns of sanctions against suppliers of ammunition to Russia"
By Daphne Psaledakis, Karen Freifeld and Andrea Shalal
October 14, 2022
WASHINGTON, Oct 14 (Reuters) - The United States on Friday warned it can impose sanctions on people, countries and companies that provide ammunition to Russia or support its military-industrial complex, as Washington seeks to increase pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, at a first-of-its kind gathering with officials from 32 countries and the United States to discuss sanctions on Russia, made clear that Washington is prepared to take action against those outside the United States evading Washington's sanctions.
Officials at the meeting, which included representatives from EU countries, Canada and South Korea, discussed additional steps planned to target Russia's military-industrial complex and the effects of several rafts of sanctions imposed by Washington and its partners over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, which has killed or wounded thousands.
The Treasury Department also warned that Washington is prepared to impose sanctions on those providing ammunition or other military goods to Russia as well as private military companies or paramilitary groups that participate in or support Russia's war in Ukraine.
In addition, the Treasury, Commerce and State departments issued an alert outlining actions that have been taken against Russia’s military-industrial complex and noting the risks those providing material support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine face.
The alert said that by restricting Russia's access to advanced goods, technology and services, Washington and its partners have impacted Russia's ability to replace weapons, including over 6,000 pieces of military equipment destroyed in the war.
The United States at the meeting was also set to warn that Russia is "expending munitions at an unsustainable rate" and turning to countries like Iran and North Korea for supplies and equipment, including, drones, rockets and artillery munitions, according to a copy of the presentation from Morgan Muir, deputy director of national intelligence for mission integration, seen by Reuters.
The export control measures imposed by Washington and a coalition of 37 countries have had an impact, according to the presentation, with Russia's defense industry reliant on imported microelectronics and other parts.
A critical shortage of bearings is undermining the production of tanks, aircraft, submarines and other military systems, the presentation noted.
Muir was also set to caution at the meeting that Russian intelligence services are seeking to illicitly acquire Western technology and parts barred from Russia under U.S. measures.
The network used to acquire the technology includes oligarchs, proxies and front companies, and targets Europe and North America as a priority, according to the presentation.
Earlier this year, Washington imposed sweeping new restrictions on shipments to Russia of U.S. and foreign goods, if made with U.S. equipment or technology, in an effort to degrade Russia's military and industrial sectors.
The controls primarily target Russia’s defense, aerospace, and maritime sectors.
They also target Russia’s energy production sector as well as luxury goods used by Russian elites.
The restrictions from Washington and its allies have reduced semiconductor imports, critical to Russia's weaponry, by 70%, according to the alert.
As a result, Russian hypersonic ballistic missile production has nearly ceased and the production of cars fell by three-quarters compared to last year.
Asked how much more Western allies could do to increase pressure on Russia, one European finance official said, "We can extend the list of people who are under sanctions."
"We can extend the number of goods that have export restrictions."
Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Karen Freifeld, Andrea Shalal and Susan Heavey; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Alistair Bell
https://www.reuters.com/world/sanctions ... 022-10-14/
Re: RUSSIA
News 360
"Gazprom warns that a gas cap would mean termination of supply for breach of contract"
Daniel Stewart
16 OCTOBER 2022
The Russian gas company Gazprom has warned that a cap on gas prices, as the European Union countries are considering, would mean the immediate cessation of its supply due to non-compliance with signed contracts, warned the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, Alexei Miller.
"Our guide is the signed contracts."
"Such a unilateral decision would, of course, be considered a violation of the essential terms of the contract, which implies the termination of supplies," he warned in an interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin reported by Russia's TASS news agency.
Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced her intention to propose to the bloc's leaders to intervene in the European gas market and set a ceiling on the maximum price of contracts in the European benchmark, the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF), and, in parallel, to increase the levels of gas consumption savings at the EU level through demand reduction auctions.
The approach of the President of the Community Executive is in line with the working document presented by Brussels two weeks ago in which measures such as placing a limit on the price of gas in the formation of electricity prices, similar to the 'Iberian mechanism', were put on the table.
The European Commission also proposed determining a maximum price for gas imports from Moscow, either through pipelines or in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), although 15 Member States requested last week that it be applied to all gas purchases from the EU.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets ... 0649fcf1f2
"Gazprom warns that a gas cap would mean termination of supply for breach of contract"
Daniel Stewart
16 OCTOBER 2022
The Russian gas company Gazprom has warned that a cap on gas prices, as the European Union countries are considering, would mean the immediate cessation of its supply due to non-compliance with signed contracts, warned the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, Alexei Miller.
"Our guide is the signed contracts."
"Such a unilateral decision would, of course, be considered a violation of the essential terms of the contract, which implies the termination of supplies," he warned in an interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin reported by Russia's TASS news agency.
Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced her intention to propose to the bloc's leaders to intervene in the European gas market and set a ceiling on the maximum price of contracts in the European benchmark, the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF), and, in parallel, to increase the levels of gas consumption savings at the EU level through demand reduction auctions.
The approach of the President of the Community Executive is in line with the working document presented by Brussels two weeks ago in which measures such as placing a limit on the price of gas in the formation of electricity prices, similar to the 'Iberian mechanism', were put on the table.
The European Commission also proposed determining a maximum price for gas imports from Moscow, either through pipelines or in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), although 15 Member States requested last week that it be applied to all gas purchases from the EU.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets ... 0649fcf1f2
Re: RUSSIA
REUTERS
"Russia's Shoigu warns of 'uncontrolled escalation' in Ukraine conflict"
Reuters
October 23, 2022
Oct 23 (Reuters) - Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his French counterpart in a telephone call on Sunday that the situation in Ukraine was rapidly deteriorating and trending towards "uncontrolled escalation".
In a phone call with French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu published by the Russian side, Shoigu said Moscow had concerns Ukraine could use a "dirty bomb" in the conflict, without providing evidence to support the suggestion that Ukraine might use such a weapeon.
"They discussed the situation in Ukraine which is rapidly deteriorating," the defence ministry said in a readout of the call.
"It is trending towards further uncontrolled escalation."
A so-called dirty bomb uses conventional explosives laced with radioactive material.
The defence ministry did not provide any further information on its statement.
Reporting by Reuters; Editing by David Goodman
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ru ... 022-10-23/
"Russia's Shoigu warns of 'uncontrolled escalation' in Ukraine conflict"
Reuters
October 23, 2022
Oct 23 (Reuters) - Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his French counterpart in a telephone call on Sunday that the situation in Ukraine was rapidly deteriorating and trending towards "uncontrolled escalation".
In a phone call with French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu published by the Russian side, Shoigu said Moscow had concerns Ukraine could use a "dirty bomb" in the conflict, without providing evidence to support the suggestion that Ukraine might use such a weapeon.
"They discussed the situation in Ukraine which is rapidly deteriorating," the defence ministry said in a readout of the call.
"It is trending towards further uncontrolled escalation."
A so-called dirty bomb uses conventional explosives laced with radioactive material.
The defence ministry did not provide any further information on its statement.
Reporting by Reuters; Editing by David Goodman
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ru ... 022-10-23/
Re: RUSSIA
CNBC
"Putin says risk of world conflict is ‘high’; Moscow official calls for ‘de-Satanization’ in Ukraine"
Natasha Turak, Amanda Macias
UPDATED WED, OCT 26 2022
The “heaviest of battles” lies ahead in Kherson as Ukrainian troops advance on occupying Russian forces, according to a Ukrainian presidential advisor.
While Russia’s grip on the strategic territory is shakier than in previous months, it does not appear ready to abandon it.
Rather, it appears to be digging in for prolonged fighting after ordering civilians to evacuate and inviting remaining men to local join militias.
Russia has sent a letter to the United Nations pushing its unsubstantiated claim that Ukraine is preparing to use a nuclear-laced “dirty bomb” on its own territory.
In a 310-page document, it outlined Ukraine’s plan to use bioweapons, allegations vocally rejected and largely debunked by Ukrainian and Western officials and weapons experts.
Meanwhile, a member of Russia’s security council has called for the “de-Satanization” of Ukraine, claiming the country is home to hundreds of satanic sects and radicalism.
The claims were met with ridicule by Ukrainian public figures.
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/26/russia- ... dates.html
"Putin says risk of world conflict is ‘high’; Moscow official calls for ‘de-Satanization’ in Ukraine"
Natasha Turak, Amanda Macias
UPDATED WED, OCT 26 2022
The “heaviest of battles” lies ahead in Kherson as Ukrainian troops advance on occupying Russian forces, according to a Ukrainian presidential advisor.
While Russia’s grip on the strategic territory is shakier than in previous months, it does not appear ready to abandon it.
Rather, it appears to be digging in for prolonged fighting after ordering civilians to evacuate and inviting remaining men to local join militias.
Russia has sent a letter to the United Nations pushing its unsubstantiated claim that Ukraine is preparing to use a nuclear-laced “dirty bomb” on its own territory.
In a 310-page document, it outlined Ukraine’s plan to use bioweapons, allegations vocally rejected and largely debunked by Ukrainian and Western officials and weapons experts.
Meanwhile, a member of Russia’s security council has called for the “de-Satanization” of Ukraine, claiming the country is home to hundreds of satanic sects and radicalism.
The claims were met with ridicule by Ukrainian public figures.
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/26/russia- ... dates.html