Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that China is interested in long-term and increased oil supplies from Russia, a commitment Moscow is ready to fulfill amidst global market challenges. The announcement came during a Russian delegation's visit to China.
Japan also maintains participation in another LNG project, Arctic LNG 2, but due to US sanctions cannot receive gas from it
Oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia resumed on April 23 after a three-month halt that began January 27. Ukraine had claimed military damage to pipeline infrastructure, blocking transit to Hungary and Slovakia despite completed repairs. Hungary blocked a €90B EU loan to Ukraine until supplies resumed, with 13,500 tons delivered Thursday. Slovak PM Fico noted the resumption confirms the pipeline was used as a geopolitical tool, while Russian officials emphasized the pipeline's importance for European energy security.
