Russia

Ukraine says it has put more than 51% of Russia's oil refining capacity out of action, just days after reports suggested Russia's economy could fund two more years of war. The strikes could undermine that resilience and have knock-on effects on global energy prices — and on energy bills in the Netherlands.

Putin's United Russia wins historic supermajority with 86 war veterans entering parliament. Foreign assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin are seized. Gas talks with Germany's AfD loom. Expats in the Netherlands face continued energy volatility and tighter EU sanctions.

Russia's United Russia party won a landslide parliamentary election on September 18–20, 2026, with 86 war participants entering the Duma. The Kremlin nationalized assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin, while gas talks with Germany's AfD loom. For expats in the Netherlands, this means potential energy price shifts, investment risks, and a reminder of Russia's crackdown on media freedom.

Russia is holding its first parliamentary election since the Ukraine war, while Putin nationalizes assets of Auchan, Nestlé, and Leroy Merlin. NHL star Ovechkin defends his pro-Putin campaign ad. For expats in the Netherlands, these moves signal potential new EU sanctions and risks for European companies still in Russia.