Victor Jack
@victorjack.bsky.social
Energy Reporter @ POLITICO Europe
NEW: Gunvor said it was retracting its offer to buy the international assets of Russia's Lukoil's after the U.S. said it would "never" approve the deal.
It slammed the U.S. Treasury as "fundamentally misinformed" for branding it the "Kremlin's puppet." www.politico.eu/article/dona...
It slammed the U.S. Treasury as "fundamentally misinformed" for branding it the "Kremlin's puppet." www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Gunvor pulls offer for Russia’s Lukoil as US brands firm ‘Kremlin puppet’
The Swiss-based trading house, which had offered to buy the Russian oil giant’s international assets, called the accusation “fundamentally misinformed.”
www.politico.eu
November 6, 2025 at 10:21 PM
NEW: Gunvor said it was retracting its offer to buy the international assets of Russia's Lukoil's after the U.S. said it would "never" approve the deal.
It slammed the U.S. Treasury as "fundamentally misinformed" for branding it the "Kremlin's puppet." www.politico.eu/article/dona...
It slammed the U.S. Treasury as "fundamentally misinformed" for branding it the "Kremlin's puppet." www.politico.eu/article/dona...
NATO chief Mark Rutte today played down a U.S. decision to withdraw hundreds of troops from Romania, just as the alliance grapples with increasing numbers of suspected Russian hybrid attacks.
“This happens all the time,” Rutte told POLITICO at a press conference. www.politico.eu/article/nato...
“This happens all the time,” Rutte told POLITICO at a press conference. www.politico.eu/article/nato...
NATO downplays US troop drawdown as Russian hybrid attacks intensify
The announced withdrawal of troops “happens all the time,” says alliance Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
www.politico.eu
November 5, 2025 at 7:11 PM
NATO chief Mark Rutte today played down a U.S. decision to withdraw hundreds of troops from Romania, just as the alliance grapples with increasing numbers of suspected Russian hybrid attacks.
“This happens all the time,” Rutte told POLITICO at a press conference. www.politico.eu/article/nato...
“This happens all the time,” Rutte told POLITICO at a press conference. www.politico.eu/article/nato...
NEW: Bulgaria is exploring requesting an exemption to new U.S. sanctions against Lukoil, according to two people familiar with the matter, as it fears the measures will cause severe fuel shortages and a populist backlash across the country.
www.politico.eu/article/bulg...
www.politico.eu/article/bulg...
Bulgaria sounds out exemption to Trump’s oil sanctions amid fears of fuel shortages
Sofia argues argues its Lukoil-owned Burgas refinery could stop working. Experts argue it’s playing for time.
www.politico.eu
November 1, 2025 at 11:22 AM
NEW: Bulgaria is exploring requesting an exemption to new U.S. sanctions against Lukoil, according to two people familiar with the matter, as it fears the measures will cause severe fuel shortages and a populist backlash across the country.
www.politico.eu/article/bulg...
www.politico.eu/article/bulg...
EU countries are considering postponing imposing higher taxes on gas, electricity and other fuels by an extra year as they seek a deal on the bloc’s revamped energy tax rules.
pro.politico.eu/news/207592
pro.politico.eu/news/207592
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
October 31, 2025 at 11:38 AM
EU countries are considering postponing imposing higher taxes on gas, electricity and other fuels by an extra year as they seek a deal on the bloc’s revamped energy tax rules.
pro.politico.eu/news/207592
pro.politico.eu/news/207592
NEW: Donald Trump’s surprise move to sanction Russia’s largest oil companies won’t paralyze Russia’s war machine — but it could help the EU quit Moscow’s oil for good.
For Lukoil in particular, it will be “catastrophic,” said one former exec. w/@evahartog.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/dona...
For Lukoil in particular, it will be “catastrophic,” said one former exec. w/@evahartog.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Trump does what Brussels couldn’t: Kill Russian oil in Europe
New U.S. sanctions will be “catastrophic” for Lukoil’s operations across the continent, warns former company executive.
www.politico.eu
October 24, 2025 at 11:03 AM
NEW: Donald Trump’s surprise move to sanction Russia’s largest oil companies won’t paralyze Russia’s war machine — but it could help the EU quit Moscow’s oil for good.
For Lukoil in particular, it will be “catastrophic,” said one former exec. w/@evahartog.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/dona...
For Lukoil in particular, it will be “catastrophic,” said one former exec. w/@evahartog.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/dona...
NEW: A requirement asking EU countries to track Russian gas cargoes before they enter the bloc will likely remain part of Brussels’ ban on Moscow's imports.
Despite pushback from France among others, the final country negotiation document keeps that requirement in place.
pro.politico.eu/news/206691
Despite pushback from France among others, the final country negotiation document keeps that requirement in place.
pro.politico.eu/news/206691
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
October 16, 2025 at 4:11 PM
NEW: A requirement asking EU countries to track Russian gas cargoes before they enter the bloc will likely remain part of Brussels’ ban on Moscow's imports.
Despite pushback from France among others, the final country negotiation document keeps that requirement in place.
pro.politico.eu/news/206691
Despite pushback from France among others, the final country negotiation document keeps that requirement in place.
pro.politico.eu/news/206691
Pressure is growing on NATO countries to join the organisation's arms-buying program for Ukraine, after a majority of allies on Wednesday said they were backing the scheme backed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
www.politico.eu/article/pres...
www.politico.eu/article/pres...
Pressure mounts on NATO allies to go all-in on Trump arms scheme for Ukraine
A majority of NATO countries have joined the PURL scheme, and the rest are under pressure “to put your money where your mouth is.”
www.politico.eu
October 16, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Pressure is growing on NATO countries to join the organisation's arms-buying program for Ukraine, after a majority of allies on Wednesday said they were backing the scheme backed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
www.politico.eu/article/pres...
www.politico.eu/article/pres...
NATO defense ministers meet today, as the alliance strains to protect its skies after recent airspace violations.
A key issue to resolve: whether national rules are stopping NATO’s top military officer from effectively tackling these aerial threats.
www.politico.eu/article/nato...
A key issue to resolve: whether national rules are stopping NATO’s top military officer from effectively tackling these aerial threats.
www.politico.eu/article/nato...
NATO scrambles to fix ‘patchwork’ air defenses as Putin lurks
Mounting drone incursions are sparking a debate on national rules that some see as limiting NATO’s top military officer.
www.politico.eu
October 15, 2025 at 6:56 AM
NATO defense ministers meet today, as the alliance strains to protect its skies after recent airspace violations.
A key issue to resolve: whether national rules are stopping NATO’s top military officer from effectively tackling these aerial threats.
www.politico.eu/article/nato...
A key issue to resolve: whether national rules are stopping NATO’s top military officer from effectively tackling these aerial threats.
www.politico.eu/article/nato...
EU ambassadors today failed to finalize their position on Brussels’ landmark plan to end imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027 after persisting technical concerns over the text.
w/ @gabrielgavin.bsky.social
pro.politico.eu/news/206123
w/ @gabrielgavin.bsky.social
pro.politico.eu/news/206123
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
October 8, 2025 at 10:53 AM
EU ambassadors today failed to finalize their position on Brussels’ landmark plan to end imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027 after persisting technical concerns over the text.
w/ @gabrielgavin.bsky.social
pro.politico.eu/news/206123
w/ @gabrielgavin.bsky.social
pro.politico.eu/news/206123
Reposted by Victor Jack
The Shadow Fleet shipping Russia's oil is already leaving trails of oil in its wake, raising the question of who will pay up if the worst is to happen.
Our latest investigation with @victorjack.bsky.social of @politico.eu, using data from @skytruth.org.
www.source-material.org/shadow-fleet...
Our latest investigation with @victorjack.bsky.social of @politico.eu, using data from @skytruth.org.
www.source-material.org/shadow-fleet...
Shadow fleet slicks test limits of EU sanctions – SourceMaterial
As the West continues to blacklist ship carrying Russian oil, new slicks near Europe’s shores test the limits of Western sanctions
www.source-material.org
October 6, 2025 at 9:27 AM
The Shadow Fleet shipping Russia's oil is already leaving trails of oil in its wake, raising the question of who will pay up if the worst is to happen.
Our latest investigation with @victorjack.bsky.social of @politico.eu, using data from @skytruth.org.
www.source-material.org/shadow-fleet...
Our latest investigation with @victorjack.bsky.social of @politico.eu, using data from @skytruth.org.
www.source-material.org/shadow-fleet...
NEW: Russian-linked vessels are continuing to leak oil off Europe’s shores — despite Western sanctions — underscoring the continent’s inability to rein in Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet.
Read our joint investigation with @source-material.org here:
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Read our joint investigation with @source-material.org here:
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Russia’s blacklisted tankers keep dumping oil in Europe’s seas
Shadow fleet vessels sailed unimpeded in EU waters after leaving slicks near the continent.
www.politico.eu
October 6, 2025 at 8:25 AM
NEW: Russian-linked vessels are continuing to leak oil off Europe’s shores — despite Western sanctions — underscoring the continent’s inability to rein in Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet.
Read our joint investigation with @source-material.org here:
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Read our joint investigation with @source-material.org here:
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
NEW: The European Parliament will push for an accelerated Russian gas ban by late-2026 and an end to Moscow's oil imports by the end of this year, per a provisional deal by POLITICO.
pro.politico.eu/news/205873
pro.politico.eu/news/205873
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
October 3, 2025 at 1:30 PM
NEW: The European Parliament will push for an accelerated Russian gas ban by late-2026 and an end to Moscow's oil imports by the end of this year, per a provisional deal by POLITICO.
pro.politico.eu/news/205873
pro.politico.eu/news/205873
Reposted by Victor Jack
What are NATO’s rules of engagement? How can they be changed? Why didnt NATO shot down the Russian warplanes last week? Read our explainer, with @victorjack.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/nato...
Finger on the trigger: How NATO is responding to Russia’s airspace violations
NATO is a defensive alliance, which makes it very cautious about responding with force to Russia’s provocations.
www.politico.eu
September 24, 2025 at 8:00 AM
What are NATO’s rules of engagement? How can they be changed? Why didnt NATO shot down the Russian warplanes last week? Read our explainer, with @victorjack.bsky.social www.politico.eu/article/nato...
pro.politico.eu/news/205440
EU countries are considering easing reporting requirements for tracking Russian gas imports to the bloc as part of Brussels’ mooted supply ban, per a doc obtained by POLITICO.
EU countries are considering easing reporting requirements for tracking Russian gas imports to the bloc as part of Brussels’ mooted supply ban, per a doc obtained by POLITICO.
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
September 26, 2025 at 11:04 AM
pro.politico.eu/news/205440
EU countries are considering easing reporting requirements for tracking Russian gas imports to the bloc as part of Brussels’ mooted supply ban, per a doc obtained by POLITICO.
EU countries are considering easing reporting requirements for tracking Russian gas imports to the bloc as part of Brussels’ mooted supply ban, per a doc obtained by POLITICO.
The EU plans to propose sanctions on more Chinese companies this week, just as Donald Trump pressures the bloc to slap sweeping tariffs on Beijing as a condition for more sanctions on Russia.
www.politico.eu/article/eu-c... w/ @camgijs.bsky.social @zimmerfrau.bsky.social @gabrielgavin.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/eu-c... w/ @camgijs.bsky.social @zimmerfrau.bsky.social @gabrielgavin.bsky.social
EU plans more sanctions on China. Will that be enough for Trump?
Donald Trump says he’ll slap a harsh embargo on the Kremlin if Brussels turns the screws on China, but EU diplomats suspect the U.S. president is stalling.
www.politico.eu
September 17, 2025 at 8:33 AM
The EU plans to propose sanctions on more Chinese companies this week, just as Donald Trump pressures the bloc to slap sweeping tariffs on Beijing as a condition for more sanctions on Russia.
www.politico.eu/article/eu-c... w/ @camgijs.bsky.social @zimmerfrau.bsky.social @gabrielgavin.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/eu-c... w/ @camgijs.bsky.social @zimmerfrau.bsky.social @gabrielgavin.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/quit...
If Donald Trump is going to slap sanctions on Russia, there are a few things he’d like NATO allies to do first.
But meeting some of these demands will be easier than others. w/ @camgijs.bsky.social @zimmerfrau.bsky.social @gabrielgavin.bsky.social
If Donald Trump is going to slap sanctions on Russia, there are a few things he’d like NATO allies to do first.
But meeting some of these demands will be easier than others. w/ @camgijs.bsky.social @zimmerfrau.bsky.social @gabrielgavin.bsky.social
Quit Russian oil? For the EU, Trump’s other demands are even harder.
From facing down Hungary and Slovakia to taking on Turkey and China, meeting the U.S. president’s requests will be challenging.
www.politico.eu
September 16, 2025 at 8:44 AM
www.politico.eu/article/quit...
If Donald Trump is going to slap sanctions on Russia, there are a few things he’d like NATO allies to do first.
But meeting some of these demands will be easier than others. w/ @camgijs.bsky.social @zimmerfrau.bsky.social @gabrielgavin.bsky.social
If Donald Trump is going to slap sanctions on Russia, there are a few things he’d like NATO allies to do first.
But meeting some of these demands will be easier than others. w/ @camgijs.bsky.social @zimmerfrau.bsky.social @gabrielgavin.bsky.social
NEW: EU countries are considering giving companies an extra six weeks to comply with an incoming ban on Russian gas, according to a negotiation document obtained by POLITICO.
pro.politico.eu/news/204632
pro.politico.eu/news/204632
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
September 12, 2025 at 3:20 PM
NEW: EU countries are considering giving companies an extra six weeks to comply with an incoming ban on Russian gas, according to a negotiation document obtained by POLITICO.
pro.politico.eu/news/204632
pro.politico.eu/news/204632
NEW: EU countries will discuss a proposal that casts doubt on a suggested 2026 deadline for the bloc to end short-term Russian gas contracts.
pro.politico.eu/news/201485
pro.politico.eu/news/201485
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
July 7, 2025 at 12:11 PM
NEW: EU countries will discuss a proposal that casts doubt on a suggested 2026 deadline for the bloc to end short-term Russian gas contracts.
pro.politico.eu/news/201485
pro.politico.eu/news/201485
NEW: The EU wants to ban LNG terminal services for Russian customers as part of its plan to end the bloc's reliance on Moscow, a draft text shows.
pro.politico.eu/news/200349
w/@gabrielgavin.bsky.social
pro.politico.eu/news/200349
w/@gabrielgavin.bsky.social
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
June 17, 2025 at 11:57 AM
NEW: The EU wants to ban LNG terminal services for Russian customers as part of its plan to end the bloc's reliance on Moscow, a draft text shows.
pro.politico.eu/news/200349
w/@gabrielgavin.bsky.social
pro.politico.eu/news/200349
w/@gabrielgavin.bsky.social
NEW: The EU's two biggest buyers of Russian liquefied natural gas are refusing to endorse Brussels' plan to ban Moscow’s imports.
France and Belgium argue they need more reassurances on the economic and legal consequences of the move before making a decision.
www.politico.eu/article/eus-...
France and Belgium argue they need more reassurances on the economic and legal consequences of the move before making a decision.
www.politico.eu/article/eus-...
EU’s top Russian LNG buyers refuse to back Brussels’ gas ban
France and Belgium are seeking more reassurances on Brussels’ proposal to gradually end Russian gas purchases by 2027.
www.politico.eu
June 4, 2025 at 9:09 AM
NEW: The EU's two biggest buyers of Russian liquefied natural gas are refusing to endorse Brussels' plan to ban Moscow’s imports.
France and Belgium argue they need more reassurances on the economic and legal consequences of the move before making a decision.
www.politico.eu/article/eus-...
France and Belgium argue they need more reassurances on the economic and legal consequences of the move before making a decision.
www.politico.eu/article/eus-...
NEW: EU countries are considering demanding that Brussels revisit methane emission rules being swept into trade negotiations with the U.S.
That comes after Trump gave the EU a temporary reprieve from imposing blanket 50% tariffs on the bloc. pro.politico.eu/news/199309
That comes after Trump gave the EU a temporary reprieve from imposing blanket 50% tariffs on the bloc. pro.politico.eu/news/199309
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
May 27, 2025 at 2:16 PM
NEW: EU countries are considering demanding that Brussels revisit methane emission rules being swept into trade negotiations with the U.S.
That comes after Trump gave the EU a temporary reprieve from imposing blanket 50% tariffs on the bloc. pro.politico.eu/news/199309
That comes after Trump gave the EU a temporary reprieve from imposing blanket 50% tariffs on the bloc. pro.politico.eu/news/199309
NEW: EU countries are considering ordering the Commission to prepare a detailed impact assessment on its upcoming Russian gas ban.
Despite a large majority of capitals backing the plan, Hungary and Slovakia remain fiercely opposed. pro.politico.eu/news/199022
Despite a large majority of capitals backing the plan, Hungary and Slovakia remain fiercely opposed. pro.politico.eu/news/199022
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
May 21, 2025 at 10:45 AM
NEW: EU countries are considering ordering the Commission to prepare a detailed impact assessment on its upcoming Russian gas ban.
Despite a large majority of capitals backing the plan, Hungary and Slovakia remain fiercely opposed. pro.politico.eu/news/199022
Despite a large majority of capitals backing the plan, Hungary and Slovakia remain fiercely opposed. pro.politico.eu/news/199022
The EU is planning to slash natural gas purchase targets — even as U.S. President Donald Trump insists that buying more gas is the only way to end his trade war.
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Trump wants Europe to pay more for gas. The EU wants to spend less.
The White House is pushing Europe to spend billions more on energy imports. That’s going to be difficult if it blows up the world economy.
www.politico.eu
April 9, 2025 at 8:25 AM
The EU is planning to slash natural gas purchase targets — even as U.S. President Donald Trump insists that buying more gas is the only way to end his trade war.
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
NEW: EU countries provisionally agree on loosening gas storage rules, per diplomats.
pro.politico.eu/news/eu-coun...
pro.politico.eu/news/eu-coun...
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
April 8, 2025 at 3:26 PM
NEW: EU countries provisionally agree on loosening gas storage rules, per diplomats.
pro.politico.eu/news/eu-coun...
pro.politico.eu/news/eu-coun...
Since 2023, the Baltic Sea has seen at least 11 subsea cables taken out by suspected sabotage.
That poses a growing conundrum for EU governments in their evolving hybrid war with Russia — and experts warn it could just be the beginning.
Reed our deep dive here: www.politico.eu/article/russ...
That poses a growing conundrum for EU governments in their evolving hybrid war with Russia — and experts warn it could just be the beginning.
Reed our deep dive here: www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Europe’s new war with Russia: Deep sea sabotage
Suspicious Russian tankers keep slashing Europe’s internet and power cables. It’s not an act of war … but someday it might be.
www.politico.eu
April 7, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Since 2023, the Baltic Sea has seen at least 11 subsea cables taken out by suspected sabotage.
That poses a growing conundrum for EU governments in their evolving hybrid war with Russia — and experts warn it could just be the beginning.
Reed our deep dive here: www.politico.eu/article/russ...
That poses a growing conundrum for EU governments in their evolving hybrid war with Russia — and experts warn it could just be the beginning.
Reed our deep dive here: www.politico.eu/article/russ...