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Ambani's Reliance plans on making Jio public in 2026, says chairman
Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, plans to list its Jio Platforms digital and telecoms arm, which is owned by Reliance Industries, in mid-2026. This will be one of India's biggest listings. Reliance announced at its annual general meeting held on Friday that it would create an artificial intelligence unit, with Alphabet’s Google and Meta serving as strategic partners. Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire chairman of the group, first announced plans to list Jio in five years. He told shareholders on Friday at the AGM of Jio that it is preparing for an IPO in 2019. Exclusively, in July, it was reported that Jio decided to cancel its planned IPO for 2025. Analysts valued it at more than $100 billion. Saurabh Parikh said that Jio's value is not fully reflected in Reliance’s wider petrochemicals portfolio and retail business. A separate listing could help unlock a higher value for Jio’s telecom and digital division. Jio Platforms is the home of India's largest mobile operator, Reliance Jio Infocomm. It has more than 500 million customers. It is backed by global investors such as Meta, Google, and KKR, and has played a central role in Ambani’s drive to diversify Reliance Beyond Oil and Chemicals into Consumer, Retail, and Technology, with AI being a key pillar to its growth strategy. Reliance and Meta announced on Friday a new AI venture, with an initial investment in the region of $100 million. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, told the AGM that the new unit would deliver Meta's AI open-source models to Indian companies. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, also announced at the AGM that his company will partner with Reliance in order to implement AI throughout its energy, retail and telecom businesses. Reliance will be given a Jamnagar cloud region. Reliance has also set five priorities for Jio’s next phase of development, including a push for "AI Everywhere for Everyone", and the expansion of operations abroad. (Reporting and editing by Tomasz Janowski, Jan Harvey and Chandini Tandon in Bengaluru)
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As supply glut concerns mount, oil faces a steep uphill battle
A poll on Friday showed that oil prices will not rise much from their current levels in the coming year, as rising production from top producers increases the risk of an excess and U.S. Tariff threats limit demand growth. Brent crude is forecast to average $67.65 a barrel by 2025 according to a survey conducted in August of 31 economists. This is a little less than the $67.84 estimate made in July. The global benchmark has been around $70 per barrel so far this year. U.S. crude oil is expected to be $64.65, up from last month's estimate of $64.61. Moutaz Alaghlibi is a senior energy economist with ABN AMRO. He said: "With the recent OPEC+ production increases and the anticipated lackluster global demand in 2025, there's a prospect for an even greater market surplus." He said that the outlook is clouded with "deep uncertainty" about any additional U.S. Tariffs, particularly those related to geopolitical outcomes like an Iranian nuclear agreement or Russia agreeing on a ceasefire. OPEC+ and its allies agreed earlier this month to increase oil production for September by 547,000 barrels a day. "OPEC+ has probably not yet reached the end of its output increases." Frank Schallenberger is the head of commodity analysis at LBBW. He said that, for now, market share appears to be more significant than higher oil prices. This will result in a large supply surplus on the oil markets by 2025 and 2026, which will keep prices low. Washington's efforts to broker peace with Moscow in Ukraine have been unsuccessful so far. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, has increased tariffs against India to pressure New Delhi into stopping its purchase of Russian oil. The majority of respondents to the poll believe that Trump's threats against Russian oil buyers will have a limited impact on the market, since they believe OPEC+ or alternative suppliers can mitigate any supply gaps. Analysts said that the geopolitical premium will likely support oil prices, as an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine seems unlikely. The poll found that the International Energy Agency had predicted a 680,000 bpd increase in global oil demand by 2025. OPEC has raised its forecast of global oil demand for next year, but lowered its estimate for the growth in supply coming from the U.S. "The U.S. is interesting as President Trump wants to push for increased production. However, OPEC+'s projections may be correct." "The reason behind this is the price," said Zain Vwda at MarketPulse.
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Baosteel believes that China's steel imports will remain above 100 million tonnes in 2025
Baoshan Iron & Steel Co, China's largest listed steelmaker, said that it expects China's total exports of steel to remain above 100 million metric tonnes in 2025. It is also monitoring possible curbs on the national steel production. Baosteel is a subsidiary company of China Baowu Steel Group. This group, owned by the Chinese government, is the largest steel producer in the world. Baosteel chairman Jixin Zou stated that steel exports would likely drop in the fourth quarter, from their current high levels, due to potential higher export prices, as well as new tax regulations and customs barriers. This was revealed at the company’s results presentation for the first half on Friday. China's exports of steel in the first 7 months rose 11.4%, reaching a new record high despite the introduction of trade barriers. Baosteel exports 4.83 million tonnes of steel during the same period compared to a total 6.07 million in 2024. Baojun Liu, general manager of Baosteel, said, "Our monthly exports continue to increase, and we are already capable of exporting 10,000,000 tons of steel per year." Liu stated that the company aims to export 15 and 20 millions tons of steel by 2026 and 2028, respectively. Baosteel also said that it would monitor closely measures to reduce steel production and the development in China of "anti-involution policies" to combat perceived overcapacity. China's top leaders pledged to end a deflationary war in July, causing expectations for a nationwide reform of supply in sectors with overcapacity, such as coal and steel. This led to higher prices. China is reportedly planning to reduce steel production between 2025-2026 in order to combat overcapacity, which has impacted prices and sparked a global protectionist backlash. Baosteel announced on Wednesday that its first-half profit increased by 7.4% despite a soft domestic market and lower steel prices. (Reporting and editing by Clarence Fernandez, Jan Harvey and Amy Lv)
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Palm oil gains three weeks on rival oils
The price of Malaysian palm oils futures ended a three-week rally Friday due to the weakness of rival edible oils. Traders also closed their positions before a long weekend. At the close, the benchmark palm oil contract on Bursa Derivatives Exchange for November delivery fell 72 ringgit (1.62%) to 4,377 Ringgit ($1,040.90). The contract dropped 3.36% in the past week. A Kuala Lumpur based trader reported that overnight weakness in rival oilseeds had spilled over into palm oil futures. Some market participants may have closed positions before the long weekend. On Monday, the Malaysian Bourse and Chicago Board of Trade are closed for a holiday. Dalian's palm oil contract, which is the most active contract, fell by 1.69%. Chicago Board of Trade soyoil prices were down by 1.05%. As palm oil competes to gain a share in the global vegetable oils industry, it tracks the price changes of competing edible oils. The oil prices dropped, but they were on track for a gain of about 1% per week. This was due to the uncertainty surrounding Russian supply, and the expectation that demand would be lower as the driving season in America, the largest fuel consumer in the world, is coming to an end. Palm oil is less appealing as a biodiesel feedstock due to the weaker crude oil futures. The palm ringgit's trade currency has weakened by 0.19% to the dollar. This makes the commodity cheaper for foreign buyers. ($1 = 4.2050 ringgit)
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Gunvor's Net Profit Falls 71% in First Half of 2025
Gunvor, the global commodity trader, reported a 71% drop in its first-half net profits on Friday. It cited an oil surplus, increased competition and fewer arbitrage opportunities, as well as thin margins. The Geneva-based trader (which is not listed) said that net profit after taxes totalled $120.8 for the first half of 2025 compared to $417 in the same period the previous year. Gunvor said that it had decided to take a conservative approach in order to limit the downside risk. Gunvor, along with rivals Vitol, and Trafigura has seen its profits decline since last year, as the post pandemic recovery, and commodity price shocks after Russia's invasion in Ukraine, faded. This ended a boom for commodities between 2022-2023. The start of its financial year 2025 coincided with Donald Trump's second term as U.S. president, whose foreign and trade policies have caused global markets to be in turmoil. Gunvor's profit fell despite an increase in revenues and trade volumes. The first half of 2025 saw a rise in trade volumes to 123 millions metric tons, up from 109.2 million a year ago. Natural gas showed the biggest increase year-over year, increasing 72% to reach 38 million tons. Gunvor's revenues rose 8.6%, to $73.6 billion. The increase in natural gas revenue was partially offset by a decline in oil and oil product revenue. It said that the group's equity valued was $6.6 billion.
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SPECIAL REPORT - Russia turns a Ukrainian nuke city into a fortress of fear
Enerhodar becomes a ghost city after Russian occupation Russian law enforcement agencies and Rosatom, the energy company, control civilian life Ukrainian children are under pressure to adopt Russian values and curriculum By Mari Saito. Polina Nikolyskaya. Anton Zverev. Marian Prysiazhniuk ZAPORIZHZHIA (Ukraine), 28 August - Enerhodar was named by the Soviet planners in 1970 as "the gift" of energy. For decades the southern Ukrainian town was a wealthy company town. Power plant The tall apartment buildings and avenues lined with trees are home to many young families and workers. As the Russian occupation As the fourth year of its existence approaches, the hub which provided electricity to Ukraine has become a ghost city ruled by fear and violence. Russian troops are conducting surprise home searches, and detaining residents in an arbitrary manner. Meanwhile, some residents have disappeared into distant penal colonies. Its original inhabitants are largely gone and their houses are being taken away. Russians have been found to be settling there. Ukrainian children They are taught to be loyal towards the Russian president Vladimir Putin and Russian energy state giant Rosatom. The money from Moscow and Rosatom pours in. Nearly every aspect of life is controlled by the energy company and Russian police. Soldiers have taken up residence in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. The changes in the city are visible. Rosatom has paid for modest renovations to schools and cultural centers. Supermarkets with Russian names now sell Russian products, and the locals are seeing unfamiliar Russian faces on otherwise empty streets. Enerhodar, as revealed by interviews with over 50 people including residents, officials and current and former residents, and dozens of pages published by Rosatom and the occupation authorities, is becoming an atomically Russian city. It is a key element in a broader plan. Russify Ukraine Replace a population that may be disloyal with one who identifies with Moscow only. "Russians force people to love themselves," said Oleg Dular, a nuclear plant manager until August 2022. "They say that if you do not love me, I will either shoot you or break your leg, arm or other body part." The Kremlin did not respond to requests from for comments. Enerhodar's occupation administration and Rosatom have said that they are focusing on building a better future for the city. They deny that residents were violently subjugated. The administration stated that the goal was to maintain a high standard of living to retain and attract specialists. The Ukrainian government and Energoatom (its nuclear energy company) did not respond to questions about allegations of Russian abuse but they have previously accused Russia of torturing and coercing plant staff. Energoatom, which was founded in 1996, is the legal owner of the nuclear plant. However it has not been able to control its operations since Enerhodar was taken over by Russian forces in the weeks following the full-scale invasion on February 20, 2022. The Russians takeover the nuclear plant The saga of the tiger drew worldwide attention World feared Another disaster like Chernobyl Putin's forces have now seized almost all of Zaporizhzhia, which he says is an integral part to Russia. As a sign of the importance of Enerhodar’s nuclear plant for the Russian occupation his top envoys have rejected the suggestion that was made by President Donald Trump earlier this year that the plant could possibly be taken over. Managed by the United States . The American delegation did not raise this issue when the two leaders met in Alaska last month. The six reactors of the largest plant in Europe have all been in good condition. Cold shutdown Since 2024. Former residents of Enerhodar said that while the majority of residents had left Enerhodar by now, workers at nuclear plants were prevented from leaving. Darya Dolikova said that she thought Russia was so focused on taking over the town, because the Russians and their families constituted such a large part of the population. She said that "each nuclear power station is different" and that Russia would have relied heavily on the Ukrainians living in Enerhodar for the operation of the plant. RE-EDUCATION Enerhodar children are a perfect example of Russian control. Russia has implemented a patriotism- and loyalty-centered curriculum in Ukraine's occupied territory. Volodymyr Sukhanov, a softly spoken chess teacher who taught in Enerhodar, Russia for over 30 years, said that the curriculum brought back memories of his childhood. Sukhanov arrived in Enerhodar many decades ago as thousands of people moved there to find work and a more family-friendly life. Sukhanov, unlike his peers, was fleeing repression. Sukhanov was a chess teacher in summer camps near Moscow. In his early 30s, the Soviet Union was on its last legs. Sukhanov, an idealist, joined his former students at demonstrations in support of democracy. Soldiers shot dead communist hardliners in 1991 during a protest at a Moscow coup attempt. a favorite student named Ilya Krichevsky. The young But the person in charge of detention was not Russian media reported that the charges against him were dropped. . Sukhanov has never forgotten the name of his officer: Sergei Surovikin. Sukhanov, devastated by the incident, decided to begin anew in Enerhodar. He moved into a small flat and began teaching chess. Decades passed. Surovikin, who was then the commander of Russia's invasion military, commanded it in 2022. Then upended Sukhanov's life. Sukhanov said, "I could not believe it." He is now 67 years old. He fled in 2022 with a bag full of clothes and a plastic folding chess board. Sukhanov Now rents a highrise apartment in the nearby regional city of Zaporizhzhia which is still under Ukrainian control. Enerhodar is now a shadow of its former self. Before the war, Enerhodar had a population of 50,000. According to the occupation administration, there are now 22,000 residents. A resident of Enerhodar who is still living in the city says that although some people were initially unhappy with their quality-of-life after Russian forces took control in 2022 but civilians now receive humanitarian aid as well as pensions. He said that the only thing that disturbs him now is Ukrainian shelling. The man refused to be identified. Journalists did not visit Enerhodar, or the nuclear power plant We could not independently verify the stories of residents about how the city had changed. According to a representative of the Ukrainian Education Ministry for Enerhodar, 80% of teachers left in 2022. According to job listings, two out of three schools in Enerhodar need teachers. In early this year, the local government published a decree that listed 100 events and measures to "counter the ideology of terror," some of which took place in schools. According to the last point, the primary goal was to instill Russian traditional values into young people. Enerhodar's schools celebrate Russian holidays, as well as important dates such the 18th of March, the date of the annexation by Ukraine of Crimea. Online posts from schools and city administrations show that schoolchildren joined state organizations like the Youth Army and participated in competitions. Rosatom, the company that operates the Zaporizhzhia facility, plays a role in education. In May, Rosatom's Alexei Likhachev spoke to Russian legislators and highlighted the educational opportunities available in Enerhodar. He highlighted that a branch of Sevastopol State University (a polytechnic school) had opened in Enerhodar. Rosenergoatom will be a reality in 2023. Rosatom is a subsidiary Enerhodar students began to receive summer preparation. According to the company's presentation, it offered housing and transportation for 11th-grade students to prepare them for admission into three nuclear-related universities. According to the Telegram channel of Rosatom's Enerhodar plant, Enerhodar Schools held an "Atomic Lesson", which covered Rosatom technologies and career options. Rosatom stated in a statement that "in Enerhodar over the last three years, we have focused on raising the quality of life for the city to Russian standards." The Russian authorities have stated their need for personnel. Rosatom said that the plant currently has 5,000 employees and they anticipate no problems increasing this number to 7,000 once the plant is fully operational. Around 11,000 people used to work there before 2022. According to some Ukrainian parents and students interviewed, they have attempted Home schooling is possible, but the Russian curriculum will be hard to avoid due to unreliable internet, and crackdowns on online Ukrainian courses. Mark Komarov said that the pressure on him was extreme. He is a 15 year old boy from Enerhodar. In the three years that he was under Russian occupation, he told his guardians that Russian soldiers and officers from Russia's Federal Security Service, also known as FSB (the Russian intelligence service), visited him and grandmother three times. They demanded to understand why he wasn't enrolled at a local high school. On their last encounter, the officers threatened to place the boy in an orphanage, as his parents had lost custody because of substance abuse. Save Ukraine is an organization that coordinates all the efforts to save Ukraine. Rescue of Ukrainian Children Komarov was able to escape from occupied territories earlier this year. His grandmother was left behind. Save Ukraine reported that 809 children had been rescued in Ukraine by late August, but said it was becoming more difficult. The organization said that "Russian authorities actively created obstacles." Requests for comment from the Kremlin and Russian military were not answered. Alexander Shutikov, the director of Rosenergoatom, said that in February 2024 Rosatom had invested around 3 billion rubles (38.6 millions dollars) in Enerhodar to repair and equip schools, kindergartens, and a swimming-pool. Sukhanov is a chess teacher in Zaporizhzhia. He gives lessons during the day to children who fled Enerhodar. He teaches on Chess.com in the evenings. Between odd jobs, he does odd jobs. He says, "I am one of those people who enjoys working. It's important to me to stay active." Sukhanov began experiencing heart problems last year after a Russian missile hit a tram parked near his apartment. Sukhanov isn't sure what the connection is, but he knows that after years of running he now gets easily tired. The white tee shirt, with the blue and yellow heart of Ukraine, dangles from his thin frame. Sukhanov sometimes checks up on former students who are still living in Enerhodar. Sukhanov has noticed that even those who are the most sensitive have changed their profile pictures to scary avatars such as skulls. He says, "I can imagine what kind of pressures these children face right now from the local Russian media, their teachers, and parents." When asked why Russian authorities prioritise children's education he replied that the reasons were the same when he studied and then became a young teacher during the Soviet Union. It makes it easier to control people. FEAR AND PARANOIA In 1978, Nataliia & Yevhen had just married in Russia when they received an offer to work at a music academy in Enerhodar. Nataliia (69) and Yevhen (70) were both employed as musicians at the nuclear power plant, performing before visiting dignitaries. It was like an entire city inside a larger city. Nearly every resident of Enerhodar knew someone who worked at the thermal plant or there. The son who was born In Soviet-era Enerhodar, and then moved to Kyiv would mock his hometown gently as a "Soviet Resort," an old-fashioned paradise envisioned by communist architect. In March 2022, Russian forces took over the nuclear power plant. Fearing Ukrainian troops or partisans in the woods and attacking them, the couple watched as Russian soldiers torched pine and alders planted along the Dnipro's banks. Nataliia, who was pacing around their Kyiv apartment, said: "From that moment on, there wasn't any music, children or classes." The couple refused to reveal their last names, fearing their safety after they left the occupied territories in January. Priority was given to the instruments by the couple. Teachers took turns to guard the school for months. In August 2022 Russian soldiers seized their keys and the school. The couple retreated to their apartment, and concentrated on maintaining the homes that had been abandoned by neighbors. Three former residents claim that Russian forces installed security cameras in the city and spread rumors about the tapping of phones. Denys Soldatov from Enerhodar, Ukraine, says that many people are now speaking in whispers and think their phones are constantly under surveillance. This has fueled a paranoia among the public. Who is still in touch with people who were there Public gatherings are prohibited. The occupation authorities demanded Russian identity documents. Yevhen, Nataliia and their parents were born in Soviet Russia but they refused to get a Russian passport. Life is nearly impossible They were all without exception. Then they were The last They said that you can get them by December 2023. Yevhen, Nataliia and other Ukrainians who fled heard that their colleagues and friends were being beaten up or taken into "the basement", a police station cell run by officers cooperating with Russian authorities. Along with other Ukrainians, the couple and others who fled said that civilians were interrogated and held in a cell by police and intelligence agents. Nataliia stated, "We rarely go outside." "It was too dangerous," said Nataliia. Dudar, a manager who once supervised 680 employees at the plant (also known as the "station"), claimed that police targeted workers early on in the occupation. Workers Who openly resisted occupation Russians are harsh towards their citizens The following are the relevant authorities He said. He said that many station employees, and workers in my department, went through the same thing, and were eventually released with broken bones, limbs and cut tendons. Other residents of the city later said that employees who refused Rosatom contracts were treated harshly. People who were considered hostile to the occupation authorities. There were also those who just disappeared. One worker, Oleksiy Brzhnyk. The detainee was arrested in September 2022. Last seen in a video from February 2023, when Russian forces claimed that he had been deported into territory controlled by Ukraine. Svitlana, his wife, never heard about any charges brought against him. She has been holding out hope ever since. . After months of silence, she was informed by freed Ukrainians that her husband could be in jail in Taganrog, in the Rostov region in Russia, which is more than 650 km away from Enerhodar. It was impossible to reach him at Taganrog. The relatives of Missing or detained workers who speak of torture, interrogation, and prolonged detention. Two people, including Brazhnyk were missing, and two others were Those sentenced to prison colonies in Russia were sent away for years. Also spoke to five residents, who said they were tortured and detained. The office of Enerhodar’s exiled Mayor said that as of early June, Russian authorities were still holding 24 civilians, including 13 nuclear workers, in illegal detention. Both Enerhodar and Rosatom deny any torture or coercion against residents or employees. Rosatom responded to questions by saying that "insinuations such as these are part a deliberate campaign of discrediting Russia." According to Energoatom the Ukrainian plant operator, around 3,000 Ukrainian workers signed contracts with Rosatom. Rosatom officials accompanied by FSB agents visited some of the engineers who refused to sign contracts. Five nuclear plant workers said that they had heard of cases where relatives were threatened with violence to get them to sign. They could not independently verify their claims. Rosatom plans to restart its plant once the war ends. Ukraine has filed a criminal complaint against Shutikov the Rosenergoatom Director, accusing of him illegally setting up Russian management at the plant, forcing Ukrainian workers to work there and planning to Disconnect your device Ukraine's electricity grid Rosatom, parent company of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, said that Russian management was responsible for raising standards there. It denied that employees were being coerced and stated that other regions in Russia are also potential customers. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the development of nuclear energy. rotates experts The plant said that it was unable to independently confirm the claims of coercion. The Vienna-based agency reported that "despite the fact that it is a very difficult situation for everyone involved, IAEA staff report that their interactions with site personnel and the staff are professional." A Security Service of Ukraine investigator in Zaporizhzhia referred to the law enforcement of occupied Enerhodar as a "hydra" made up of FSB agents, local police officers and Akhmat soldiers of the Russian National Guard . Nine former residents also said that Rosatom helped to control the city. The occupation administration of Enerhodar said that a concentration of security forces was needed to stop Ukrainian attacks and sabotage. The statement stated that "Zaporizhzhia's NPP and Energodar City security were strengthened in addition to the existing measures to ensure the safety of the facility and its personnel, as well as to guarantee their protection." Work to prevent sabotage had also been intensified. As the war continues, this distinction has grown more apparent. On June 11, videos and pictures posted on the pro Ukrainian website Actual_Energodar is a Telegram channel. A group of people monitors the Russian Military in the City. soldiers Men from the Chechen Akhmat Unit can be seen dancing and barbecuing 200 meters away. The unit did not respond to requests for comments. On June 19 The Permanent Mission of Ukraine to Vienna has posted a video of an armed Russian soldier shooting out of a window of one of the buildings. Both videos were verified, as well as their location and presence of Russian soldiers. Gregory Jaczko who was the chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 2012 to 2014, stressed that nuclear facilities require workers with training and responsibility. He said that the soldiers' actions were "just not appropriate". He called any plans to restart the plant "absurd" given the lack of staff, the frontline location, and the military occupation. Dolzikova from RUSI noted that while direct damage from firearms to reactors is unlikely, other critical infrastructures could be damaged. The IAEA has said that its team has reported Repeated gunfire Near the site The IAEA stated that "our position remains unchanged": Military activity near or at a major nuclear plant is unacceptable. During the three-year period Nataliia spent in Enerhodar under occupation, Yevhen and Nataliia claim that FSB and police officers repeatedly visited them. The couple was forced to ask their neighbors where they went and who worked for the plant. Nataliia & Yevhen left in January. They said it was fortunate they were just musicians. The driver informed them that checkpoint soldiers are Turning back the workers at the plant Their pianoforte, and their library of over 3,000 books, including many on Ukrainian culture and history, were left behind. Rosatom sponsored renovations at the couple's music academy. According to statements from the company, it has been closed since two years. The school is looking for teachers to teach a variety instruments, including piano and guitar. After five days, Nataliia & Yevhen arrived in Belarus. After crossing the border, and reentering Ukraine, Nataliia and Yevhen began their journey. Rip off Their Russian passports. MISSING HOME Volodymyr, now 49 years old, can remember the celebrations of the opening the first nuclear reactor, in the mid-1980s. He was a boy at the time, and he still recalls the children waving colorful balloons and tiny flags. The family was from Novovodiane in the village to the north, where his grandfather purchased land when he returned after fighting for the Soviet Army during the Second World War. Volodymyr inherited the property and said that the entire community had helped build the foundation for the house. The community planted fruit trees and chickens and geese roamed around the land. Volodymyr, who was born in Enerhodar, began renovating his family house by 2022. He planned to give it to his son. Volodymyr and his 9-year-old son fled to Zaporizhzhia a few weeks after the Russian invasion. The following year, he enlisted in the army to help liberate his village. He, like many others, thought that Russian forces would be quickly pushed back. So he sent his ex-wife and son back to an occupied city. Volodymyr was in the front row Trenches in the East His unit was constantly attacked. A mortar shell exploded right next to him in September 2024. He lost sight in his right eye. He is now discharged and lives in the house of a relative outside Zaporizhzhia. His return home is still a long way off. He said, "I'm only a guest," as he smoked in the open air. Many houses in the village he occupies have been taken over by Russian soldiers. He claimed that his house is empty because it was being renovated when the war broke out. Residents in Enerhodar said that Russian soldiers seized the homes of Ukrainian servicemen and pro-Ukrainian officials. Around 2023. The new authorities began posting notices about the question Residents must register ownership. This process requires a Russian passport, and many pages of paperwork. Residents said that if the city did not take action, it would start repossession procedures. In May The Zaporizhzhia parliament, which is a Russian-installed legislature, adopted a new law that outlines how "ownerless" properties can be used during court proceedings. Acting Minister of Property and Land Relations of the occupation has stated that 35% of regional Property The property is owned by no one. Enerhodar’s website lists 67 apartments as being repossessed. Six residents who evacuated in 2024 or 2025 stated that Russian families are moving to the city where they shop, and their children can play outside. Several businesses, they claim, have changed ownership. Some businesses, such as Ukrainian grocery stores have Russian products and new names. According to the Russian company register, a Crimean is now running the pharmacy. From this year Real estate Enerhodar is a Telegram group. Dozens of Messages from locals who are looking to rent their homes. Residents from Yaroslavl and Volgodonsk in Russia, as well as Krasnodar, Irkutsk, and Krasnodar, were among those looking for apartments. The mayor of the occupation administration, Maxim Pukhov, denied that Enerhodar was being replaced. He said "a significant part" of those who have recently arrived are returning citizens. Pukhov, in a press release to the Russian Federation's Federal Assembly, said that "the share of people from other regions is very small today". Evgeny is a Russian energy specialist who hails from the southern part of the country. His company had signed a contract for three years with the thermal plant in June. In a telephone interview, he stated that military police are patrolling with machine guns but not bothering anyone. Evgeny explained that during the day, the city is as usual, but at night it becomes a ghost-town. It's obvious that many residents have left the town. The city is empty." Former workers and Rosatom officials have confirmed that Russian nuclear experts are arriving to work for long periods of time. One worker claimed to have transferred from a Russian nuclear facility located in the northwestern Murmansk Region. Rosatom's subcontractor opened a branch in Enerhodar, which employs People including drivers, cleaners and radiation safety engineers According to a tender filing From August 5, The idea that Russians would move to Enerhodar is a very appealing one for Volodymyr the injured soldier It is unbearable . He's tired by Constant bombardment Disappointed by the promises made by foreign leaders to stand up for Ukraine The father and his son, who is now 12 years old, remain in Enerhodar. The Russian curriculum is followed by the boy in school. Volodymyr requested that his last name be withheld for the safety of his son. Volodymyr is worried that the boy's silence on Ukraine will not last. Volodymyr wipes away a tear as he says: "He constantly asks me, 'When are you coming back?' Volodymyr assures him that he will be back soon. Volodymyr tells him that when he gets home they'll go fishing on the Dnipro together, as they always did. Reporting by Mari Saito, Marian Prysiazhniuk and Anton Zverev from London; Polina Nikolovskaya in Zaporizhzhia. Anastasiia malenko contributed additional reporting. (Edited by Lori Hinnant.
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Before Putin's Beijing trip, signs of Chinese influence are everywhere in Moscow
Chinese business centres near traditional Chinese pavilions. Russian adults practicing Kung Fu and learning Mandarin. Sizzling food being served at Chinese restaurants. Signs of Beijing's influence are everywhere in Moscow as President Vladimir Putin prepares to visit China next week. It seems like the contacts with China have intensified. "A mutual interest is increasing," said Natalia Gerasimova. She was a manager of a Russian company, and visited the Chinese landscape park in Moscow. "They are welcoming to us and they treat us well." In Russia, I also do not see resistance to these relationships. "Yes, we may have different mentalities but we share some similarities". China bought Russian oil, sold goods from cars to electronic devices and helped Moscow when the West cut off ties after Russia sent tens thousands of troops to Ukraine in 2022. Bilateral trade reached a record of $245 billion by 2024. Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping have signed a partnership with "no limitations" in 2022. Three Russian sources said that although China is still Russia's largest trading partner, the trade turnover has decreased this year. Putin will try to reverse this trend at his summit meeting with Xi. It is difficult to ignore the Chinese influence in Moscow. A Chinese business center in northeastern Moscow has a Chinese flag flying and nearby, people are strolling through a landscape park under ornate Chinese pavillions. 'PRAGMATISM' Some Russians claim that the close relationship is pragmatic and China acts primarily for its own interest. "China is all about industry and the labour market. It is not about technology." "Technology always comes from the West, from the U.S. and Europe," said Roman Dmitriev a businessman who visited the landscape park. We will return to the West as soon as it reopens. It will be a logical move. For now, China will be our biggest booster. "We can compare it to an athletic friend at school who can defend you and fight for your." Natalia Wang said that the demand for children and adults to study Chinese has suddenly increased at Moscow's "Chinese First". It was like a switch had been flipped. She said that one day, "the applications for studying Chinese started flooding in." Now, Chinese-made vehicles are common in Moscow. Valery Bondarenko said that Chinese cars have improved "in leaps-and-bounds", but many Russians remain sceptical. He said, "They are facing our consumer conservatism." "We still think that German or Japanese vehicles guarantee 100% safety and quality." (Reporting and writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Timothy Heritage.)
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Stocks drop from record highs ahead of US inflation data
The world's stocks retreated from their recent tech-driven record highs, on Friday, ahead of U.S. Inflation data which will feed the Federal Reserve’s increasingly politicised interest rate plans. The traders were looking to square up their positions after a bullish month in global equity markets. This was despite bond market concerns over Donald Trump's decision to fire Fed policymaker Lisa Cook and the renewed political tensions in France. The euro and Europe's STOXX600 share index both fell and were headed for their first weekly loss in four while the 0.6% drops on France's CAC40 and Germany's DAX set them up for trend-defying month drops. Michael Metcalfe, State Street's global macro strategy head, said that it was the very first time since a long time that political risks were on the increase after a period when international investors poured money into the area. Metcalfe asked, "Do you want to take on the risk of the Fed's independence in the dollar or do you want to take on the risk of the fiscal risk with the euro?" This week, it appears to be a draw. The key European 30-year bond rates are also expected to see their largest monthly increases since March. The biggest move was in France where Francois Bayrou, the Prime Minister, has scheduled a vote of confidence for September 8, which many expect to lose. The spread France pays to Germany on 10-year debt, which was 78 basis points last week, has risen over the past two weeks. The UK Bank Share Index fell by 1.4% after an influential think-tank suggested that the government might tax banks based on Bank of England Reserves. Overnight, Asia's markets were mixed. Chinese shares had their best month for almost a full year, with a gain of more than 10%, on the hope that its economy and especially the tech sector is improving. The Nikkei, Japan's largest stock index, ended the day down. However it has also risen 4% this August. It is now on a five-month streak of unbroken gains. In China, the STAR 50 Index, which is a tech-focused index, fell 1.7% after it soared over 7% the previous session. Shares in Cambricon Technologies, a chip company, also dropped more than 6% following a warning to investors via a stock exchange filing citing a steep rise in their stock prices since the end of July. Frank Benzimra is the head of Asia equity strategies at Societe Generale. WAITING ON PCE The focus of the market now shifts to the release of U.S. PCE Price Index data, the Fed's preferred inflation measure. Khoon Goh is the head of Asia Research at ANZ. He said that analysts will be watching to see if trade tariffs are starting to have an impact. There are three key pieces of information ahead of the FOMC meeting in September. The PCE is the first, followed by the payrolls data next week and the CPI. According to CME FedWatch, traders are now pricing in a 85% chance that rates will be cut in September. This is up from 63% one month ago. Fed Governor Christopher Waller said on Thursday that he plans to begin cutting interest rates in the next month, and "fully anticipates" further rate cuts. This will bring the Fed’s policy rate to a more neutral setting. On Friday, the expectation of an imminent Fed rate cut left the dollar in a position to fall 2% monthly against a basket currency. The euro last fell 0.1% to $1.1677. This was largely due to political and fiscal concerns in France. Sterling, however, eased by 0.2%, falling from $1.3477 to $1.3477. However, it was still on track for a gain of over 2% in the month. Dollar also faced headwinds due to concerns about Fed independence, as President Donald Trump intensifies his campaign to exert greater influence over monetary policies. This includes his latest attempt at firing Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Cook filed a suit on Thursday, claiming that Trump does not have the power to remove Cook from her office. Brent crude futures fell 0.6% on Friday to $68.20 per barrel. U.S. crude dropped to $64.21 a barrel. Bitcoin fell 2%, to just over 110,000 dollars per ounce. Safe-haven gold dropped 0.2%, to $3,408.78.
PCE data will show gold's monthly gain.
Gold prices were slightly lower on Friday but are still on track for a gain in the month ahead of U.S. Inflation data, which will give more clues about Federal Reserve's rate-cutting trajectory.
As of 0818 GMT, spot gold was down by 0.1%, at $3,414.07 an ounce. Bullion gained 3.6% this August, and reached $3,423.16 Thursday, the highest level since July 23, its highest ever.
U.S. Gold Futures for December Delivery eased by 0.1% to $3471.70.
Gold is feeling gravitational force around large, round numbers. The markets are reluctant to allow gold to stray too far away from the psychological level of $3,400 ahead of PCE results," Han Tan, chief analyst at Nemo.Money, said.
The dollar was on track for a 2.2% monthly decline. Benchmark 10-year yields are slightly above the two-week low reached on Thursday but heading for a loss of 2.2% per month.
The Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE), the Fed's preferred measure of inflation, is due later today.
As long as inflation does not rise faster than expected, bullion bears will be able hold their ground over $3,400. Tan warned that if the PCE prints shattered market expectations of Fed rate cuts in this year, gold spot could fall back to below $3,400.
Gold that does not yield is usually a good investment in an environment with low interest rates.
Fed Governor Waller reaffirmed his call on Thursday for a reduction in short-term borrowing costs. He said he would be supportive of a rate cut next week.
According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders expect a 85% chance that the rate will be cut by 25 basis points at the September meeting.
In India, the demand for gold has increased slightly this week despite a slight recovery in price, as jewellers stockpiled ahead of the holiday season.
Silver spot fell by 0.4%, to $38.91 an ounce. Platinum fell 1.1%, to $1343.98. Palladium fell by 0.3%, to $1099.0. (Reporting by Ishaan Arora in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema)
(source: Reuters)