Ukraine-Russia News
LAST UPDATE: August 28, 2025
Russia slashes 2025 economic growth forecast to 1.5% from 2.5%
Moscow cut its 2025 GDP growth outlook to 1.5% amid tight monetary policy and war-related pressures on the economy.
Insight
The downgrade points to waning momentum as high rates and sanctions constraints bite, raising fiscal and social trade-offs.
EU Considers Secondary Sanctions to Hit Russia’s War Effort
The EU is weighing secondary sanctions to curb third-party support that helps Russia evade existing measures.
Insight
If adopted, enforcement would broaden beyond Russia, complicating trade for intermediaries and increasing compliance burdens.
Kremlin says it doesn’t like European proposals on security guarantees for Ukraine
The Kremlin rejected European ideas for security guarantees to Ukraine, opposing any NATO-linked presence.
Insight
Moscow’s stance hardens the diplomatic impasse, making a durable security framework harder to craft.
Senior Ukrainian officials visit Riyadh to discuss peace options
Ukraine’s chief of staff and security chief discussed peace pathways in Riyadh and plan follow-up talks in Europe and the U.S.
Insight
Saudi involvement underscores a widening diplomatic track that could diversify mediation beyond traditional channels.
Russian Crude Exports Slide on Drone Strikes and Trump’s Tariffs
Russia’s crude shipments slipped amid Ukrainian drone strikes on energy infrastructure and U.S. tariff actions affecting flows to India.
Insight
Energy disruptions and trade measures are converging to pressure Russia’s export revenues and reroute global oil trade.
Russia extends gasoline export ban, government says
The Russian government has extended its gasoline export ban—continuing restrictions for non-producers until September 30, with producers permitted to resume exports from October 1.
Insight
The extension reflects efforts to stabilize domestic fuel markets amid supply constraints and is aimed at managing social risks tied to high energy prices.
Ukraine launches tender for lithium deposit site in Kirovohrad region, PM says
Ukraine launched a tender for mining the “Dobra” lithium deposit in Kirovohrad, under a U.S.-Ukraine joint fund initiated in April, offering U.S. preferential access. Bids open in two months.
Insight
The move is strategic: securing critical minerals for post-war reconstruction while strengthening ties with U.S. investors and ensuring value-added production stays local.
Russia slashes 2025 economic growth forecast to 1.5% from 2.5%
Russia downgraded its GDP outlook for 2025 from 2.5% to 1.5%, citing persistent economic challenges.
Insight
The reduced forecast signals growing fiscal pressure, exacerbated by sanctions and weakened investment.
EU Considers Secondary Sanctions to Hit Russia’s War Effort
The EU is considering implementing secondary sanctions targeting third countries that help Russia evade existing restrictions.
Insight
This would significantly escalate sanctions enforcement, closing loopholes and reinforcing pressure on intermediaries aiding Russia.
Kremlin says it doesn’t like European proposals on security guarantees for Ukraine
The Kremlin rejected European proposals for security guarantees to Ukraine, opposing any NATO troop presence in Ukrainian territory.
Insight
Russia’s stance evidences deep mistrust of Western security frameworks and frames NATO expansion as a root cause of conflict.
Senior Ukrainian officials visit Riyadh to discuss peace options
Ukrainian security leaders traveled to Riyadh to explore mediation and strategic support for peace efforts.
Insight
Saudi Arabia’s involvement signals an expanding diplomatic role for Gulf partners in resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Russian Crude Exports Slide on Drone Strikes and Trump’s Tariffs
Russia’s crude exports declined due to repeated drone attacks on infrastructure and new U.S. tariffs affecting supply to India.
Insight
These dual pressures strain Russia’s export economy and highlight shifting energy security risks.
Russia extends gasoline export ban, government says
The Russian government extended its gasoline export ban through September 30, with limited resumption starting October 1 for producers.
Insight
The extension reflects efforts to stabilize domestic fuel prices amid supply concerns and inflation risks.
Ukraine launches tender for lithium deposit site in Kirovohrad region, PM says
Ukraine initiated a tender for the “Dobra” lithium deposit, prioritizing U.S. investment under a joint fund set up in April.
Insight
The project underscores Ukraine’s strategic shift toward critical mineral independence and stronger U.S. economic ties.
