Sanctions policies could shift if negotiations are successful
Efforts to end the war in Ukraine took center stage this week, as US President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, followed by a separate meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
On Tuesday, oil prices declined as markets weighed the likelihood that progress in negotiations could lead to an easing of sanctions on Russian crude, increasing global supply. For shipping, any change in sanctions or trade flows would have a direct impact on tanker demand and the dynamics of regional shipping routes.
Further diplomatic meetings are planned
In the near term, possible next steps include a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin, followed by a trilateral session with Trump developments that could significantly influence the outlook for energy markets and maritime shipping.
Sources: CNN, Financial Times & Reuters