đź”— Share this article Fire Sale of Lukoil Holdings Ahead of US Sanctions Kick In International oil refineries and other assets of Russia-based company Lukoil are attracting potential buyers as time runs out to strike cheap deals before US sanctions take effect on 21 November. Worldwide Liquidation Efforts Kazakhstan's national company KazMunayGas is studying a bid for Lukoil's holdings within Kazakhstan, according to sources familiar with the matter. Energy giant Shell has expressed interest in Lukoil's deepwater assets in Ghana and Nigeria, multiple sources reported. Nationalization Efforts Moldovan authorities has started talks to acquire Lukoil's operations at Moldova's main air terminal. Bulgaria is attempting confiscating and liquidating Lukoil's Bulgarian oil plant, although the country's president have requested legal changes to the draft bill. Across Egyptian territory, Lukoil has suggested to the authorities its possible plans to divest completely, according to industry observers. Business Conundrum Lukoil faces either selling its assets and having the revenue subject to seizure, or acquisition by foreign states if it fails to divest. Energy analysts suggest Lukoil may try to follow Russian oil firm Rosneft, whose three German refineries were put under external management in 2022. Conflict Updates Moscow's forces overran multiple villages in the Zaporizhzhia region of southern Ukraine. Poor visibility enabled invading forces to penetrate Ukrainian positions, with Ukrainian units engaged in ferocious combat to defend their positions. Population Impact At Huliaipole, where the conditions deteriorated dramatically, elderly residents described perilous situations. Aerial dangers created unbearable risks Medical supply deficits harmed the sick and elderly Water scarcity compounded the crisis Government Reactions City leader the municipal official has called for Ukraine to increase military personnel by reducing the minimum age of military service. Global leaders have commented on the power industry corruption in Ukraine, describing it as deeply concerning and stressing the critical need for serious attention. Government Reshuffle Head of state the country's leader has acted to address escalating popular discontent by removing government officials accused of involvement in a major graft operation. National leadership also called for individual restrictions against the accused coordinator of the operation, who reportedly fled abroad before authorities could perform a search operation.