The U.S. Treasury stated that the measures announced on October 22 were due to Russia’s lack of commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine. Lukoil announced plans to sell its international assets but has not found a buyer after a deal with Gunvor, a Swiss-based firm, was blocked by Washington. Carlyle, a U.S. private equity firm, is considering purchasing these holdings, according to Reuters. Buyers have until December 13 to negotiate with Lukoil.
Washington is likely to approve a sale only if it completely severs ties with Lukoil and the sale proceeds are placed in a blocked account inaccessible to Lukoil until sanctions are lifted.
Trump’s sanctions prompted European countries to act to prevent fuel shortages. Germany secured a six-month exemption for its Rosneft-owned Schwedt refinery, formalized by Washington on Friday, while Bulgaria moved to nationalize its large Lukoil-owned Burgas refinery.
Hungary secured a one-year exemption to continue purchasing Russian oil after Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to the White House earlier this month.













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