29 December: brief and to the point
Oil prices on 29 December rose by more than $1 amid investors' assessment of the outcome of talks between the presidents of the US and Ukraine over a potential peace deal and new supply risks from the Middle East, Reuters reports.
Facts and figures
Brent climbed $1.20 (about 2%) to $61.45 a barrel as of 13:00. WTI added $1.21 (around 2.1%) — to $57.93. Both benchmarks fell by more than 2% the previous Friday.
"Energy markets rose as geopolitical developments supported crude oil prices, with Brent gradually increasing amid renewed tensions in the Middle East and shifts in the peace talks over Ukraine"
— Axel Rudolf, IG analyst
"The Middle East has recently been unsettled due to Saudi airstrikes in Yemen... this raises market concerns about potential supply disruptions"
— Yan An, Haitong Futures analyst
"The market will also remain focused on possible US steps to curb Venezuelan oil supplies, as well as the potential consequences of strikes on ISIL targets in Nigeria"
— Tony Sikamore, IG analyst
Why it matters for Ukraine
This price movement is not just statistics for traders. Energy prices affect inflation, transport costs, and the cost of military-logistics operations. For Ukraine, even a moderate price increase means greater pressure on the budget: higher costs for fuel supplies for logistics and utilities, additional spending on stock control and logistics.
At the same time, the geopolitical factor pushing up prices — in particular market assessments of the prospects for peace talks — gives Ukraine a certain political leverage in negotiations over security and economic guarantees with partners.
What to expect next
Analysts predict short-term fluctuations in the range of $55–60 per barrel for WTI, depending on US inventory data and further steps by Saudi Arabia (official pricing for Asia is declining). Also in focus is a Reuters survey on US inventories and possible restrictions on supplies from Venezuela.
For the Ukrainian reader this means: closely monitor indicators of energy security and government budgetary decisions — they determine the cost of fuel for the civilian sector and the rear's ability to supply the front.
Conclusion
Oil prices reflect not only the market but also politics. Negotiations and regional tensions make energy instability more likely — and this directly affects Ukraine's economic resilience. Partners must now turn declarations and risk assessments into concrete support measures to reduce the impact on the budget and the military's logistics.
