Russia

Russian foreign trade tracker

Russia’s huge trade surplus is not a sign of economic strength

Russia has recorded a record trade surplus, but more than half of its increase is due to the collapse of imports.

The grand energy bargain Europe needs to defeat Putin

Europe Needs a Grand Bargain on Energy

Why a “Go It Alone” Approach Will Leave Countries in the Cold This Winter

Europe needs energy solidarity — not a North-South rift

The bloc must urgently implement a compensation scheme to prevent Putin from dividing member countries.

What role for China in the global refining crunch?

Despite high prices, China’s substantial spare oil refining capacity remains restricted.

Revisiting Europe’s energy independence

Challenges of an energy independent Europe.

A possible G7 price cap on Russian oil: issues at stake

A price cap on Russian oil might improve the current western sanctions regime, but effectiveness will depend on the west’s willingness

How to make the EU Energy Platform an effective emergency tool

The platform could become an effective emergency tool to safeguard Europe’s gas supply, but policymakers need to address challenges to make it work.

Is China bailing Russia out?

The mystery of China-Russia economic relations in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and what it means for Europe.

Food security: the role and limits of international rules on export restrictions

Unblocking Ukrainian ports and facilitating wheat exports through large-scale international coordination remains essential.

Europe’s Russian oil embargo: significant but not yet

The ban on most Russian oil significantly scales up the EU response to aggression against Ukraine, but the bloc should stand ready for retaliation.

Ukraine needs external financial assistance now

Planning Ukraine’s reconstruction tomorrow is important but meeting its financial needs today is more pressing and requires urgent action.

The EU needs transparent oil data and enhanced coordination

The EU lacks the coordination structure and transparent data necessary to most effectively navigate an embargo on Russian oil.

Now is not the time to confiscate Russia’s central bank reserves

As the costs of Ukraine’s resistance mount, there are increasing calls to confiscate these frozen reserves to finance Kyiv’s war and reconstruction.

For Europe, an oil embargo is not the way to go

Even at this late hour, the European Union should consider taking a different path.