Pakistan and Russia are discussing a comprehensive cooperation agreement in the oil sector, including exploration, production, and refining, as Russia seeks new markets and Pakistan looks for cheaper crude and investment.

Ukraine has used long-range drones to attack Russian oil platforms as it expands its strikes on the country's energy sector.

Islamabad and Moscow weigh expanded cooperation in energy and industry as Pakistan looks to cut costs and Russia seeks new markets.

Russia's oil and gas revenues have fallen sharply—down 35% in November and 22% for the year—as sanctions, weak crude prices, and an adverse ruble exchange rate converge to create significant fiscal strain for Moscow's budget.

The European Union adopted fresh sanctions against Russian oil interests on Monday, targeting traders Murtaza Lakhani and Etibar Eyyub for helping Moscow to circumvent Western sanctions on crude exports that help to fund Russia's war in Ukraine.

Despite Russia's previous support for Assad, Russian influence in Syria not only endures thanks to energy ties but has expanded and formalized.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a "very workable" peace plan to end the war in Ukraine could be presented to Russia within days.