đź”— Share this article Forced Divestment of Russian Oil Giant Assets Ahead of US Sanctions Kick In International oil refineries and additional holdings of Russian company Lukoil are attracting potential buyers as the deadline approaches to strike cheap deals before US sanctions come into force on November 21st. International Divestments Kazakhstan's state firm KazMunayGas is considering a purchase for Lukoil's assets in the country, according to sources familiar with the matter. Shell has expressed interest in Lukoil's offshore holdings in West African nations, multiple sources stated. State Acquisition Chisinau's administration has started talks to take over Lukoil's operations at Moldova's main air terminal. The Bulgarian government is working towards seizing and reselling Lukoil's Bulgarian oil plant, although national leadership have sought amendments to the proposed law. In Egypt, Lukoil has indicated to the administration its potential intentions to sell out, according to sources. Business Conundrum Lukoil faces either selling its assets and having the proceeds potentially seized, or assumption by host nations if it does not sell them. Industry experts propose Lukoil may try to emulate Russian oil firm Rosneft, whose three German refineries were put under a trusteeship in 2022. Military Developments The Russian army seized several communities in the occupied zones of southern Ukraine. Poor visibility enabled Moscow's army to advance into military posts, with defending forces engaged in ferocious combat to repel the Russian thrust. Humanitarian Crisis At Huliaipole, where the conditions deteriorated dramatically, elderly residents described dangerous circumstances. Drone threats rendered normal life impossible Lack of pharmaceuticals harmed the sick and elderly Drinking water shortages compounded the crisis Official Statements Kyiv mayor the municipal official has called for Ukraine to expand armed forces by adjusting the threshold of military service. Global leaders have addressed the power industry corruption in Ukraine, describing it as extremely unfortunate and highlighting the necessity for serious attention. Ministerial Dismissals National leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken steps to manage growing public outrage by removing government officials suspected of participation in a major graft operation. Government officials also called for personal sanctions against the suspected mastermind of the scheme, who purportedly left the country before authorities could perform a property inspection.