NATO Says Its Ready For Dialogue on Condition Russia De-Escalates

LOCAL NEWS

• NATO Council says it is ready for dialogue with Moscow if it takes de-escalation measures and bases any talks on the principle of reciprocity in a written statement.
  • The document reiterated NATO’s “long-standing invitation for a NATO-Russia council meeting in the near-future.” Putin remains resolute in his calls for reliable and long-term security guarantees – insisting on concrete agreements before any such de-escalation can take place
• EU summit unanimously agrees to extend anti-Russian sanctions by 6-months until 31 July, rolling over pre-existing measures that were set to expire on 31 Jan
• Energy Ministry proposes to introduce a RUB 7.9k/ton (RUB 9bn/yr)subsidy for the production of propylene at oil refineries.
  • Potential recipients of subsidies may be the plants of Lukoil and Gazprom Neft and production could be increased 4x to me tons/yr

Data/Events:

• 1030GMT: CBR Rate Decision
• 1100GMT: Deputy FM Ryabkov to hold a video conference briefing on Russia’s European security proposals