Category: Russian sanctions

Washington Ends Bond Payment Exemption for Russia, Leading to Fears of Default

Following Washington’s decision to end a key sanctions exemption, Russia’s chances of defaulting on its debts have increased. Back in February 2022, the U.S. Treasury had stated that it would allow Russia to make sovereign bond payments to American investors despite strong financial sanctions imposed on Moscow for its aggressive incursion into Ukraine. But on…


Closure of Restaurants in Russia Cost McDonald’s $127 Million in First Quarter

The closure of all 850 McDonald’s restaurants in Russia has cost the fast-food chain $127 million in the first quarter of 2022. The fast-food company announced during its first-quarter earnings report on April 28 that its suspension of operations in Russia cost it $27 million in leases, supplier costs, and employee wages, and another $100 million in…


Strategic That US Lead in Energy and Essential Minerals: Minnesota Congressman

Proponents of an all-of-the-above energy strategy say the United States’ energy independence is being undermined by the current administration, and adversaries are profiting from the Biden administration’s energy policies. With the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) currently controlling the mining of essential minerals and Russia exporting oil and gas around the world, lawmakers like Rep. Pete Stauber…


EU May Allow Gas Payments Under New Russian Ruble Exchange Decree Without Breaching Sanctions

The European Commission sent new guidance to its member states on April 21, admitting that it “appears possible” for European buyers of Russian gas to pay according to the terms of Moscow’s decree on ruble conversion without violating international sanctions. Many European countries in the Euro bloc are heavily dependent on 40 percent of their…


Are the Sanctions the United States’ New Best Friend or Worst Enemy?

Commentary Ongoing global sanctions will shape and determine the post-Putin era. Economic warfare can easily backfire and turn once pro-American energy dependent countries into pariahs and push Russia toward the United States’ adversaries. The sanctions-triggered geopolitical changes all point in one direction: China. In the past decades, choking sanctions have repeatedly failed and spawned consequential…


Wall Street More at Risk to Commodity Trading Exposures Due to Russia Conflict

Commodities trading exposures have been going up on Wall Street, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which may leave banking firms vulnerable to large swings in asset values, according to an April 18 story from Reuters. Goldman Sachs Group (GSG) and JPMorgan Chase have both reported a rise in commodities trading risk measures, according to their…


Russia Sanctions Entire New Zealand Parliament, Including Jacinda Ardern

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it has blacklisted the entire New Zealand (NZ) parliament from entering the country, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Governor-General Cindy Kiro, and the country’s top spy chiefs. The step to blacklist all 130 of NZ’s leaders and MPs was to “reciprocate” Wellington’s “unfriendly actions” of joining the United…


New Zealand Announces 35 Percent Tariff on All Russian Imports

New Zealand (NZ) has announced it would be applying a 35 percent tariff to all imports from Russia, including oil, fertiliser, and vodka, the most significant economic response to the Russian invasion to date. “The images and reports emerging of atrocities committed against civilians in Bucha and other regions of Ukraine is abhorrent and reprehensible,…


Russia Expects $321 Billion in Energy Exports in 2022 Despite Recent Sanctions

Despite severe Western sanctions levied against Russia since its war with Ukraine began Feb. 24, Russia is expected to earn nearly $321 billion from energy exports in 2022, an increase of more than a third over 2021, Bloomberg News reported. Moscow’s economy has survived a full month of sanctions and is emerging with a relatively…


New Zealand Sanctions 36 Russian Oligarchs Including Chelsea Football Club Owner

The New Zealand (NZ) government has rolled out a new wave of sanctions targeting oligarchs with close personal ties to President Vladimir Putin or the Russian government, including Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich. Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced that the sanctions on a further 36 individuals came into effect on March 5. “This list includes…