Gazprom, Rosneft Affected by Crimea Standoff

While Russia steps up cooperation with Iran, European policies are reported to be potentially detrimental to Gazprom. Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and other European countries released on Thursday a document indicating that asset freezes and travel restrictions will be passed if Moscow does not reverse course in Crimea.

The list included between 120 and 130 Russians, but excluded Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

According to German newspaper Bild, Gazprom’s Alexei Miller and Rosneft’s Igor Sechin are part of the list.

“I hope that this all ends up being empty rhetoric. It's silly, petty and obvious sabotage of themselves. I think it will primarily affect Rosneft's business partners in the West in an extraordinary way,” commented a spokesperson for the Russian company.

Gazprom could be also affected by Ukrainian debt. The company may suffer because of Ukraine’s failure to pay for supplies.