Russian Oil Keeps Flowing: \”Sanctions Don\’t Work as Intended\”- Irina Slav

In the ever-evolving landscape of global energy geopolitics, one truth remains steadfast: Russian oil continues to flow unabated, defying the best efforts of Western sanctions to choke off Moscow\’s revenues. Despite intensified pressure from the United States and the European Union, export volumes from Russia show no signs of significant decline. Instead, key buyers like […]

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Banks Predict $50 Oil on Ukraine Peace — But Can We Believe Them?

Daily Standup Top Stories Citi Says Russia-Ukraine De-escalation Could Impact Oil to $50, and Oil’s Surplus Is Here—But What’s the Real Story? October 19, 2025 Clark Savage In the volatile world of energy markets, headlines from major financial institutions like Citigroup often grab attention. Recently, Citi analysts suggested that a potential de-escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict […]

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How is China Holding Up Under the Trump Tariff Wars, and Can They Still Keep Buying Oil?

In the escalating trade tensions dubbed the \”Trump Tariff Wars,\” China finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. For decades, Beijing has navigated the global stage with a dual narrative: projecting itself as a rising superpower domestically while leveraging its \”developing country\” status abroad to secure subsidies, lower tariffs, and delayed international obligations. This strategy allowed […]

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What Is Really Going On in Venezuela? What Is the Real Endgame for the Trump Administration?

Introduction: A Nation in Turmoil Amid Escalating US Involvement As of October 2025, Venezuela remains gripped by political instability, economic collapse, and international tensions. President Nicolás Maduro clings to power following a disputed July 2024 presidential election, where opposition leader Edmundo González claimed victory based on tally sheets, but Maduro\’s regime declared him the winner […]

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Why the Critical Mineral Ban from China Is Great for the United States

Daily Standup Top Stories The Current State of Critical Minerals in the US Market October 12, 2025 Clark Savage In an era defined by the push toward clean energy, electrification, and advanced technologies, critical minerals have emerged as the backbone of modern manufacturing and national security. These essential resources—ranging from lithium for batteries to […] China and […]

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China and Iran Seal Oil-for-Infrastructure Deal to Bypass U.S. Sanctions

In a bold move amid escalating geopolitical tensions, China and Iran have formalized a significant oil-for-infrastructure agreement, effectively sidestepping U.S. sanctions through a barter system that exchanges Iranian crude for Chinese-built projects. This deal not only secures a steady oil supply for Beijing but also bolsters Tehran\’s infrastructure amid ongoing economic pressures from Washington. Details […]

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