Reliance on Russia’s military offerings has become increasingly prevalent in parts of Africa, amid an aggressive push by Moscow to lessen Western influence on the continent.

Dodging the cap has increased the price Russia gets for its oil on global markets, sanctions experts say. The discount for Russian oil compared to international benchmark Brent crude has shrunk from as much as $35 per barrel to less than $10 per barrel. Russia has seen oil income hold up steadily and even rise.

The name is brilliant: "vintage tonnage". It evokes 17th-century pirate vessels flying the skull-and-crossbones, 18th-century ships-of-the-line bristling with cannons, or even 19th-century clipper ships in full sail bringing tea to England and America.

Ukrainian officials welcomed Donald Trump ’s threat to sanction Russia harder, suggesting punitive measures against Russian oil and gas could run down Vladimir Putin ’s war machinery. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

Gabon will hold a presidential election on April 12, the council of ministers said. “Under this decree, the electoral college is convened on Saturday, April 12, 2025,” a government statement, issued late Wednesday after a ministerial cabinet meeting,

The United States has imposed sanctions on part of Gabon's fleet. Over 100 ships flying the country's flag are estimated to belong to Russia's so-called shadow fleet. Essentially, these are tankers used to circumvent the ban on selling Russian oil for more than $60 per barrel.

The USA has imposed sanctions on part of Gabon's fleet. Over 100 ships flying the country's flag are estimated to belong to Russia's so-called shadow fleet. Essentially, these are tankers used to circumvent the ban on selling Russian oil for more than $60 per barrel.

Hold or fold? That is the dilemma facing the hundreds of Western companies still operating in Russia as Donald Trump returns to the White House with a promise to end the Ukraine conflict while Moscow's tougher exit conditions make it costlier to leave. Francis Maguire reports.

It evokes 17th-century pirate vessels flying the skull-and-crossbones, 18th century ships-of-the-line bristling with cannons, or even 19th-century clipper ships in full sail bringing tea to England and America.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in Moscow on Friday (January 17), involving closer defense cooperation that is likely to worry the West.

The “vintage tonnage” is the “shadow fleet” of second-hand oil tankers that were spared from the ship-breaking yards in 2022 because Russia lost its export market in Europe when it invaded Ukraine. There were plenty of potential customers for cut-price Russian oil in India and China, but no pipelines to get it there. It had to go by sea.

Iran, Russia sign strategic treaty Move likely to worry West Both have suffered setbacks in Middle East Iranian drones used in Ukraine war MOSCOW, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir ...