Part 7/10:
Historically, Russia has oscillated between periods of economic prosperity and peril due to its dependence on energy resources. The recent war has forced Russian leaders to rethink strategies for maintaining oil production and revenues. Efforts have included courting countries like India and China for alternative sales channels, despite these nations tactically leveraging discounts that squeeze profits even further for Russia.
The shadow fleet, a group of unregistered oil tankers used by Russia to circumvent sanctions, has surprisingly contributed to a temporary escape from market constraints. However, the precarious nature of this reliance is underscored by the looming threat posed by the European Union and Ukraine to disrupt these shipments.