re: #633 Dr Lizardo

Yes, that is per the terms of the agreement.

The Russians are engaged in empire building; that needs to be curtailed. I’m just not sure of entirely the best way to do so. Economically would be the best way.

If the Saudis and the Qataris could either increase production or lower their price, say down to $50 - $60 p/bbl, that would hurt the Russians, and badly. Their entire budget is basically predicated on oil at the $100 - $115 p/bbl level.

The Saudis may well be the only ones who could afford to do that over a sustained period, say 18 to 24 months, and I know…..OPEC would likely not go along with it.

Also, need to find a way to end Russia’s monopoly on natural gas to Europe; that would really hit them in the pocketbook.

The Russians would find it’s not so easy to build an empire when your economy is plunged into a major recession.

Yes and no. Ukraine can charge Russia “rent” for running their pipelines through the country. They’re not going to give that up. It’s a good revenue generator for Ukraine. They need the money.