🔗 Share this article Asset Liquidation of Lukoil Holdings Ahead of US Sanctions Kick In Overseas refining facilities and other assets of Russian firm Lukoil are attracting potential buyers as time runs out to arrange discounted transactions before US sanctions come into force on November 21st. Worldwide Asset Sales The Kazakh state firm KazMunayGas is evaluating an offer for Lukoil's Kazakh operations, according to sources familiar with the matter. Shell has expressed interest in Lukoil's deepwater assets in Ghana and Nigeria, industry observers reported. State Acquisition The government of Moldova has initiated discussions to nationalise Lukoil's infrastructure at Chisinau airport. Bulgaria is working towards taking over and auctioning Lukoil's Bulgarian oil plant, although national leadership have requested legal changes to the proposed law. Across Egyptian territory, Lukoil has signaled to the administration its potential intentions to divest completely, according to sources. Strategic Dilemma Lukoil faces either divesting holdings and having the funds possibly confiscated, or assumption by international governments if it does not sell them. Energy analysts suggest Lukoil may try to copy Russian oil firm Rosneft, whose facilities in Germany were put under external management in 2022. War Situation The Russian army overran three settlements in the occupied zones of southern Ukraine. Weather conditions enabled Moscow's army to infiltrate military posts, with Ukrainian units engaged in gruelling battles to repel the Russian thrust. Population Impact In the frontline town, where the conditions deteriorated dramatically, senior citizens described dangerous circumstances. Unmanned aircraft created unbearable risks Lack of pharmaceuticals harmed the sick and elderly Drinking water shortages compounded the crisis Government Reactions Urban administrator the municipal official has called for Ukraine to boost its fighting numbers by reducing the minimum age of draft eligibility. Foreign officials have commented on the energy corruption scandal in Ukraine, describing it as particularly troubling and emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive response. Government Reshuffle National leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acted to address increasing citizen anger by removing government officials suspected of participation in a large-scale bribery scheme. Government officials also requested personal sanctions against the alleged organiser of the operation, who reportedly fled abroad before law enforcement could conduct a search operation.