The tax on banks’ unexpected profits is gaining momentum internationally as nations adopt these temporary measures to rapidly increase fiscal revenues. Amid record earnings driven by stringent monetary policies, authorities in Italy, Spain, and the UK are examining new strategies to bolster their budgets. For further information, visit Vedomosti.

Brent crude oil approached $100 a barrel for the first time in six weeks, rising nearly 10% since the start of the month amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as attacks by Houthi forces on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure. Analysts suggest prices could return to the $100–120 range if regional hostilities intensify further. — Kommersant

Alrosa anticipates a sustained low level of global diamond production in the coming years, a development expected to drive an increase in diamond prices.

Oil markets remain tense as sirens wail in Khamis Mushayt, southwestern Saudi Arabia, underscoring ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Discussion on fully restoring logistics centers damaged by Ukrainian forces remains premature. As logistics undergo reorganization, new facilities are being established while others are phased out. Minpromtorg, TASS

Ukrainian Ministry of Defense issues tender for 150,000 winter jackets for women. Former Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov previously suggested considering female mobilization. Reports suggest military planning for women's mobilization in spring 2027, though authorities deny such plans.

Sber Bank reports a 19% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first eight months of 2026, reaching 1.33 trillion rubles. In August, net profit under RAS rose 14.2% to 169.1 billion rubles.

Russian-made tirzepatide, developed by Promomed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, has become the first of its kind available in Kazakhstan. More details here.

Google to Invest €13 Billion in AI Infrastructure in Finland During 2027-2028

Nokia's shares are slated for inclusion in the Euro Stoxx 50 index on September 21.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed concerns over the volume of Ukrainian military orders received by Germany, highlighting the nation's role as a leading provider of financial and military aid to Kyiv. He underscored the importance of justifying support expenditures to German taxpayers and called for greater benefits to Germany's defense industry from Ukraine's military procurement.

Brent oil prices surpass $100 amid speculation of misinformation campaigns by Trump’s Truth Social and Axios aimed at depressing prices. Potential announcements under consideration include peace negotiations with Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia has expressed support for hosting a trilateral business forum involving Russia, the United States, and Germany, according to AmCham Russia President Robert Agee, as reported by TASS.

Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov is scheduled to speak at a roundtable on Ukraine at the Diplomatic Academy on September 15, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Former OpenAI and Anthropic researcher Jacob Koxon departs the AI industry, citing fears that the competitive development of AI systems could pose existential risks to humanity. He expressed concerns that developers believe advanced AI might cause global catastrophe by the end of the decade. More details are available in the WSJ article.

Russia’s budget in August 2026 netted 691 billion rubles in dividend payments, the Ministry of Finance reported.

Russia's federal budget deficit for the first eight months of 2026 is estimated at 5.8 trillion rubles, or 2.5% of GDP, according to the Ministry of Finance. For additional information, refer to the release.

CZ recommends governments include both Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) in their national crypto reserves.

Gas prices in Europe have risen above $950, reaching their highest point since December 2022.

Starting July 2027, the Federal Tax Service of Russia will be authorized to monitor digital ruble holders' devices, according to Izvestia. The data provided to tax authorities will include IP and MAC addresses, phone numbers, SIM cards, and other device identifiers. For more information, see the source.

Russia is contemplating legalizing share transfers to employees, with the State Duma set to review legislation aimed at incentivizing staff through shareownership, according to Izvestia.