🔗 Share this article Fire Sale of Russian Oil Giant Holdings Ahead of US Sanctions Kick In The foreign oil refineries and other assets of Russia-based firm Lukoil are attracting potential buyers as time runs out to strike cheap deals before US sanctions take effect on 21 November. Worldwide Divestments Kazakhstan's state firm KazMunayGas is evaluating an offer for Lukoil's Kazakh operations, according to sources familiar with the matter. Energy giant Shell has shown willingness in Lukoil's offshore holdings in Ghana and Nigeria, industry observers confirmed. Nationalization Efforts Chisinau's administration has started talks to nationalise Lukoil's infrastructure at Chisinau airport. Bulgaria is pursuing confiscating and liquidating Lukoil's Black Sea facility, although government officials have requested legal changes to the proposed law. Within Egypt, Lukoil has suggested to the administration its potential intentions to divest completely, according to insiders. Business Conundrum Lukoil faces either selling its assets and having the proceeds potentially seized, or acquisition by host nations if it fails to divest. Energy analysts suggest Lukoil may try to follow energy company Rosneft, whose facilities in Germany were put under external management in 2022. Conflict Updates Moscow's forces captured three settlements in the southern Ukrainian territory of the conflict area. Dense fog enabled invading forces to advance into Ukrainian positions, with Ukrainian units engaged in gruelling battles to counter the advance. Humanitarian Crisis At Huliaipole, where the crisis intensified substantially, senior citizens described dangerous circumstances. Drone threats rendered normal life impossible Medical supply deficits affected vulnerable populations Limited access to water worsened the situation Government Reactions Kyiv mayor the municipal official has advocated the country to increase military personnel by adjusting the threshold of draft eligibility. Foreign officials have remarked about the power industry corruption in Ukraine, describing it as deeply concerning and highlighting the importance for comprehensive response. Ministerial Dismissals National leader the country's leader has moved to contain increasing citizen anger by removing government officials accused of involvement in a large-scale bribery scheme. Government officials also demanded individual restrictions against the alleged organiser of the operation, who allegedly escaped overseas before investigators could execute a evidence collection.