🔗 Share this article Forced Divestment of Russian Oil Giant Assets Before US Sanctions Kick In The foreign oil refineries and additional holdings of Russian firm Lukoil are appealing to prospective purchasers as the window closes to secure bargain purchases before US sanctions take effect on 21 November. Global Asset Sales Kazakhstan's state firm KazMunayGas is evaluating an offer for Lukoil's holdings within Kazakhstan, according to sources familiar with the matter. Energy giant Shell has expressed interest in Lukoil's deepwater assets in Ghana and Nigeria, multiple sources confirmed. Nationalization Efforts The government of Moldova has started talks to nationalise Lukoil's operations at Moldova's main air terminal. The Bulgarian government is attempting confiscating and liquidating Lukoil's Bulgarian oil plant, although national leadership have requested legal changes to the legislation. In Egypt, Lukoil has suggested to the government its potential intentions to divest completely, according to sources. Strategic Dilemma Lukoil faces either liquidating operations and having the funds possibly confiscated, or their takeover by host nations if it fails to divest. Industry experts suggest Lukoil may try to follow Russian oil firm Rosneft, whose three German refineries were put under a trusteeship in 2022. Military Developments Invading troops overran several communities in the occupied zones of southern Ukraine. Dense fog enabled invading forces to infiltrate defensive lines, with Kyiv's troops engaged in gruelling battles to counter the advance. Population Impact In the frontline town, where the conditions deteriorated dramatically, elderly residents described dangerous circumstances. Unmanned aircraft created unbearable risks Medical supply deficits harmed the sick and elderly Drinking water shortages worsened the situation Political Responses Kyiv mayor Vitaly Klitschko has advocated Ukraine to boost its fighting numbers by adjusting the threshold of draft eligibility. Foreign officials have remarked about the fuel sector misconduct in Ukraine, describing it as deeply concerning and stressing the necessity for comprehensive response. Ministerial Dismissals National leader the country's leader has taken steps to manage increasing citizen anger by firing two ministers accused of involvement in a large-scale bribery scheme. Government officials also requested targeted measures against the alleged organiser of the network, who purportedly left the country before authorities could perform a property inspection.