The head of Russia’s second-largest oil company, Lukoil on March 3 has called for an immediate halt to fighting in Ukraine, in a sign of weakening support for the conflict among some of the country’s influential oligarchs. The oil giant is the first major Russian firm to speak out against Putin’s decision to invade its neighbor. Vagit Alekperov, the billionaire founder and chairman of the Russian oil company, released a press statement, pleading for an immediate cessation to hostilities and expressed concern over the expanding conflict, as pressure mounts due to sanctions. The Russian energy firm “expresses its concern over the ongoing tragic events in Ukraine and its deepest sympathy to all those affected by this tragedy,” said Alekperov. “We stand for the immediate cessation of the armed conflict and fully support its resolution through the negotiation process and through diplomatic means.” President Vladimir Putin is pressing ahead with his assault in Ukraine, …