Russia & Ex-Soviets

‘Steal Less, Invest More’ Advised At Ukrainian Energy Forum

Steal less, invest more, run a fair game, and sell off the pipeline system that Moscow is using to keep Ukraine in line — energy experts at a forum in Kiev.

In Search Of Russia’s Lost Fracking Boom

Gazprom’s mega-deal with China sent shockwaves around the world. But Gazprom might not be able to honor the deal if shale reserves are not tapped soon. And that might not happen because capitalism à la russe is a harsh mistress.

Exxon, BP Defy Obama; Extend Partnership with Russia

ExxonMobil, BP, Total, and other oil majors are doubling down in Russia despite moves by the West to isolate Russia; they just signed mega-contracts with state-owned Russian oil companies – sanctions be damned.

BlackRock: Russian Bond Market “Freezing Up”

“People thought sanctions were about visas for oligarchs wanting to visit Disneyland. But they are much more important.”

Russia Dumping US Treasuries? But Why the Heck in Belgium?

Belgium is known for its surprises. For example, it got by amazingly well for a couple of years without a national government, to the chagrin of a lot of people. Now that tiny country with a tiny economy is suddenly piling up a mountain of US Treasuries.