Geopolitical Digest by Mikhail Azhgirevich for May 8, 2026: Page 2 of 2

Gasoline Prices Rise Moderately – Crimea Again Leads the Increase

Retail fuel prices in Russia rose by 0.5–0.67% over the past month. The sharpest increase was recorded in Crimea at 2.8% – consistent with the peninsula’s persistent trend of above-average inflation, where prices already exceed those in Moscow while wages remain significantly lower. Gasoline is getting more expensive quietly – but it is getting more expensive everywhere, always.

Bottom line:  A three-day truce became possible only after Washington threatened to slam the door. Iran is expanding its missile arsenal against all forecasts. And Euroclear is methodically transferring billions.