## Govt. explores Russian fuel supply after US lifts sanctions ⛽

Following a favorable fuel response from India, Sri Lanka has initiated high-level discussions with Russia to secure additional energy supplies. This move follows the lifting of US sanctions on Russian oil purchases to mitigate global supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. • Strategic Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan to discuss importing Russian oil as a contingency measure to ensure uninterrupted domestic distribution. • Response to Volatility: The discussions target stability in the energy sector amidst growing concerns over global market breakdowns and shipping route risks. • Russian Commitment: The Russian envoy confirmed the request would be fast-tracked to the Russian Government, stating Moscow's readiness to support Sri Lanka’s energy needs. • Supply Diversification: This move complements existing support from India, reflecting a shift toward multi-source energy security to safeguard the national economy. _Summary based on provisional reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs._