The day before, Vladimir Putin for the first time commented in detail on both the fuel crisis and the current prospects for negotiations on Ukraine. He had to admit that the gasoline shortage would have to be filled with imports (although it was not critical) and that there were no agreements on Ukraine in Alaska. Russia will not accept new proposals from Ukraine Getty Images

European aluminum producers are demanding that Brussels close the loophole through which sanctioned Russian metal enters the EU market through third countries, reports the Financial Times. Several EU member states, including Lithuania, also expressed concern to the European Commission, two European diplomats said. The European Union limited imports of primary aluminum from Russia as part of the 16th package of sanctions in February last year.