Geopolitical Implications - The EU has revealed its plan to utilize Russian assets to aid Ukraine [1] - Belgium has already opposed the EU's plan [1]

Geopolitical Strategy & Sanctions - The Trump administration's harshest sanctions on Russia are implemented shortly after a potential peace summit with Putin falls apart [1][2] - The Biden administration initially hesitated on these sanctions due to concerns about gas prices [3] - There's uncertainty regarding the US's stance on Ukraine using long-range missiles to strike inside Russia, with conflicting messages and interpretations of a Wall Street Journal report [9][10][11][12][13][14] Energy Market Impact - Oil prices are rising in reaction to the sanctions [18] - China has stockpiled oil in anticipation of the sanctions [20] - India, a major refiner of Russian crude, is starting to draw down its stockpiles, though the reason is unclear (sanctions or potential tariffs) [20] Russia-Ukraine Conflict Dynamics - Russian drones are attacking civilian neighborhoods in Ukraine, indicating no slowdown in Putin's actions [5] - Ukraine is seeking more liquefied natural gas and other energy supplies to get through the winter [19] - There are concerns that Putin is trying to manipulate Trump to prolong the war, exploiting a perceived numeric advantage over Ukraine [8]