MOSCOW, March 30. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky’s actions may soon lead to US President Donald Trump "politically eliminating" him, Scott Ritter, a former US Marine Corps intelligence analyst and former United Nations arms inspector in Iraq, told TASS in an interview.
Crude oil markets experienced intense volatility between March 8 and March 12 as traders reacted to escalating geopolitical tensions, threats to global oil shipping routes, and emergency supply measures from major consuming nations.
Is the world truly facing an energy crisis, or is the situation being amplified by financial markets and speculation? A closer look at the numbers suggests that the reality may be far less dramatic than headlines imply.
At the center of current concerns is the Middle East, particularly the risk of disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Several key oil producers in the region are often cited as critical to global supply. Iran produces around 4 million barrels of oil per day, Iraq another 4 million. Kuwait contributes approximately 2 million barrels, Qatar about 1.5 million, and the United Arab Emirates between 1 and 1.5 million barrels per day.
A recent report by The Washington Post has sparked controversy after claiming that a unit within Russia’s foreign intelligence service considered a drastic and highly controversial scenario involving Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of elections.
Allegations of a “game-changer” strategy
According to the report, officers within Russia’s SVR intelligence agency discussed the possibility that an assassination attempt (potentially even a staged one) could fundamentally change Hungary’s political campaign.
The idea was described internally as a “game-changer”, suggesting it could shift public discourse away from socio-economic concerns towards emotional issues such as national security and political stability.
MARCH 19 — The Strait of Hormuz, long regarded as one of the most vital chokepoints in global energy security, is now at the center of an unmistakable geopolitical reckoning.
What was once a narrow maritime passage defined by geography has become a direct test of political will, collective security, and the credibility of global powers to safeguard the arteries of international trade.
The closure of the strait of Hormuz is causing a “paralyzing, real-time problem” for any prospective manufacturing surge in the US defense industrial base, and even for the repair of defense equipment damaged by Iranian attacks, according to analysis published by West Point’s Modern War Institute.
Demand for geopolitical analysis is rising, as asset managers and corporate investors seek guidance on the best way to price in risk from wars, territorial sabre-rattling and global politics.
The need for such advice was highlighted this week when the US threatened various countries with tariffs unless a deal was reached over the US taking control of Greenland, causing a rollercoaster reaction in markets.
Other geopolitical events that have roiled markets include Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, US President Donald Trump’s 2025 call for broad tariffs and subsequent negotiations with individual countries, and this month’s US intervention in Venezuela.
Demand for geopolitical analysis is rising, as asset managers and corporate investors seek guidance on the best way to price in risk from wars, territorial saber-rattling and global political risk.
The need for such advice was highlighted this week when the US threatened various countries with tariffs unless a deal was reached over the US taking control over Greenland, causing a rollercoaster reaction in markets.
Other geopolitical events that have roiled markets include Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, US President Donald Trump's 2025 call for broad tariffs and subsequent negotiations with individual countries, and this month's US intervention in Venezuela.