Diplomacy
No news of note
Sanctions
Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) released a framework for Russia sanctions that would impose a price cap on Russian oil backed by secondary sanctions. The Senate Banking Committee also held a hearing titled, “Tightening the Screws on Russia: Smart Sanctions, Economic Statecraft and Next Steps.”
Poland and the Baltic states are charging new EU guidance weakens sanctions on Russian coal.
Consequences
Rusal may sell aluminum directly to the London Metal Exchange.
Pepsi has reportedly stopped manufacturing sodas in Russia.
Ukraine Sitrep
It was announced suddenly that four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine will hold referenda on joining Russia from September 23-27.
Russia is instituting a partial mobilization – the first since WWII – calling up 300,000 reservists, sparking protests. Russia will also offer fast-track citizenship to foreigners who spend 12 months in the military. Flights out of Russia have sold out as Russia banned the sale of tickets to military-age men.