Syria to cut Russian oil imports

Syria has agreed to drastically reduce imports of Russian oil as part of ongoing discussions with the United States on lifting the last major sanctions designation on Syria, according to three sources familiar with the conversations. The reduction would mark a major shift in Syria's energy policy, which has become heavily reliant on Russian oil despite a political pivot to the West. The U.S. did not explicitly frame the reduction as a precondition for lifting the State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) designation, but Washington asked for and received a commitment from Syria to drastically reduce Russian oil imports during discussions on rescinding the designation. Russian oil shipments to Syria jumped 75% to about 60,000 barrels per day this year, making Moscow the dominant crude supplier. Syria is seeking new suppliers and expects a 'radical change'. The U.S. is increasingly targeting Russia's economic influence in Syria. On July 8, President Donald Trump informed Congress of his intent to remove Syria from the SST list, triggering a 45-day notification period. Congress has directed the United States — The Pentagon to assess options for reducing Russia's influence in Syria and securing its forces' departure from a seaport in Tartous and airbase in Hmeimim.