The American media portal Trumpet.com wrote that the Cold War between Russia and the West is coming to an end. Of course, the US opposition is still relevant, but Germany and, accordingly, a large part of the European Union is returning to business as usual. Despite the fact that on June 22 the EU voted in favor of the extension of sanctions against Russia, in other areas the relations between Berlin and Moscow are improving. The main feature of this is the integration of the parties in the construction of the Nord Stream gas pipeline between Russia and Germany. This project will allow the Kremlin to maintain lucrative contracts with foreign clients and get new partners in Europe.
Another sign of improving relations has become the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, which was held on June 18-20 and attended by the representatives of many European countries. Only 12 heads of large companies came from the USA, while Europe, in turn, was represented by such oil giants as BP, Royal Dutch Shell and Total, which indicates the willingness of the European Community to go back to the usual rhythm of cooperation with Russia. In addition, it is also an indicator of the readiness of European leaders to make decisions without the influence of the United States.
Another factor that played a role in the rapprochement between Russia and Europe was Moscow's decision to retreat to the Greek issue, thereby giving Greece and Europe a chance to resolve their internal problems without the intervention of external forces.
Thus, Germany has already started to work with Russia in the field of energy and security, leaving the conflict in Ukraine by the wayside. In order to restore good relations with the Kremlin, the EU still has a lot to do, but the first productive steps in this direction have already been taken.
Saudi Arabia sets priorities, the analytical publication Business Insider writes, referring to the likelihood that the kingdom is considering possible cooperation with Russia in opposition to the United States. The unexpectedly warm meeting of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia with the President of Russia at the Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, has been hailed by political analysts as the first sign of an emerging partnership between the two leaders of the world oil industry. Most likely, such a rapprochement between the two states will lead to the fact that Russia will be able to influence the decisions of OPEC, and thus access control of the cartel’s pricing policy. And if that happens, the world expects a steady increase in the price of oil.
A partnership between the two countries would lead to US influence in the Middle East reduced to a minimum, which is a very important factor for both Russia and Saudi Arabia. In addition, there is a positive trend for the global oil market in terms of continuous improvement and increasing of energy demand. To date, the two sides plan to create working groups for possible development of joint ventures in Russia. Such a decision disturbs the US, whose leadership will take all necessary steps to return Saudi Arabia to its control. But it is hardly possible that a country riven by internal problems will be able to find leverage in state that from both an economic and geopolitical point of view it is considering Russia as a future ally.
