Oil producers must ‘take steps’ to cool surging prices, IEA boss warns October 4, 2018 The world's major oil producers must “take the right steps” to cool the market amid a continued surge in crude prices, the International Energy Agency boss has warned. The IEA's executive director, Fatih Birol, said: “It is now high time for all the players, especially those key producers and oil exporters, to consider the situation [...]
US indicts seven Russian agents accused in doping scandal cyber attack October 4, 2018 The FBI today said it has indicted seven Russian military intelligence (GRU) agents on allegations of conspiring to hack into computer equipment and steal information from a range of global sporting agencies, after Russia was condemned over a state-sponsored doping scheme. The charges, which include wire fraud and conspiracy to commit computer fraud and money laundering, [...]
UK warns of further sanctions against Russia as Nato weighs in on fresh hacking allegations October 4, 2018 The UK has said it will revise sanctions against Russia in light of today's cyber hacking allegations, working alongside other institutions as Nato joined the chorus of voices against Russian military intelligence (GRU). The statement, made by the UK's Dutch ambassador Peter Wilson on behalf of Europe minister Alan Duncan, said: "We will increase further our understanding of what [...]
UK and Netherlands put Russian military intelligence behind five cyber attacks October 4, 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May, in tandem with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, today said UK and Dutch authorities have identified a number of cyber attacks which came from a network of hackers employed by Russian military intelligence (GRU), including an attack on a UN watchdog. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre, supported by the Foreign Office, said the GRU [...]
Saudi oil output reaches record highs, but oil prices remain close to four-year peak October 3, 2018 Saudi Arabia's oil output has reached record highs – and the country could further boost production next month as US sanctions on Iran edge closer. Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih said the country had raised output to 10.7m barrels per day in October and announced a further production hike in November. The country's record high [...]
Putin calls Novichok attack victim Skripal a ‘scumbag’ October 3, 2018 President Vladmir Putin has labelled ex-spy Sergei Skripal, who nearly died after being poisoned with Novichok in an international incident earlier this year, a “scumbag” and traitor. “Imagine: suddenly someone goes and betrays your country. What do you think about him? Anyone here from any country? He’s just a scumbag, and that’s it,” Putin said [...]
English National Opera defends bottled water ban after punters sneak vodka into shows October 1, 2018 Both are known for giving people headaches and have strong associations with Russia, but fans are now allegedly mixing opera and vodka – sneaking the latter into the former by “decanting” the party-friendly spirit into water bottles – according to the chief executive of the English National Opera (ENO). Stuart Murphy said some patrons were “decanting [...]
Sterling finds strength from higher UK manufacturing growth October 1, 2018 Sterling climbed on the back of stronger UK manufacturing growth this morning. The pound was up 0.1 per cent against the US dollar at 1.304 and close to 0.4 per cent compared to the euro at 1.125. Read more: British manufacturing output growth weakens as exports slow Manufacturing posted a “mild” improvement in output at [...]
Iranian foreign minister claims country is close to European oil deal despite US sanctions threat September 30, 2018 The Iranian foreign minister claimed last night that Tehran was drawing close to an agreement which would allow the country to sell oil to European nations, in spite of threats by the United States that it would impose sanctions on countries that do business with Iran. Iran is planning to avoid US sanctions on its [...]
Third Russian spy reportedly carried out reconnaissance mission ahead of Salisbury attack September 28, 2018 Britain’s counter terrorism forces have identified a third Russian military intelligence officer who they believe carried out a reconnaissance mission before the poisoning of double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, according to the Telegraph. Reports have emerged that an agent, who has yet to be named, is thought to have visited Salisbury to help [...]