VTB Calls on Govt to Support Merger With Bank Oktrite & RNKB Bank

LOCAL NEWS

• VTB CEO asked Govt to merge VTB with Bank Oktrite and RNKB Bank in a decision that has been supported by Putin & the CBR in the past. The finance ministry and parties involved have declined to comment, however. – Kommersant
• Russian missile strikes target Kyiv just one hour after Zelenksy’s press conference with UNSG Guterres had finished. Guterres’ spokesperson said the team was safe, however. Meanwhile, two more blasts were reported in Russia’s Belogrod yesterday after Ukrainian drones were downed and a fuel depot was targeted with missile strikes earlier in the week. – Sky, BBG
• Bulgaria says it can replace Russian gas and not face any shortages if it acquires via the southern corridor, plus LNG in Greece & Turkey. Bulgaria consumes 3bn cubic metres of gas per year, 90% of which comes from Russia but says this new plan is being executed now after talks with EU officials - Euronews
• 8,000 British troops and tens of thousands of NATO troops will take part in military exercises in Eastern Europe as part of the largest deployment since the Cold War.
  • Troops will be placed from Finland to North Macedonia alongside dozens of tanks and more than 100 armoured vehicles. UK MoD says planned exercises will improve cooperation and show solidarity and strength – Sky
• Bottled deodorized sunflower oil from Ukraine has appreciated by 33-39% in the past two months to USD2-2.25/liter under FCA (Free Carrier) Incoterms. The rise was prompted by a decrease in the number of offers as a result of either a total cessation or considerable reduction of operations by processing units.
  • The reorientation of exports toward railroad logistics and road haulage also resulted in infrastructure being overloaded, triggering additional costs and delays in shipments - IFX