The main thing in the morning: June 28

• LNG supplies from the United States to Europe have declined sharply, which could cause a serious blow to the EU economy. Since the beginning of 2024, the volume of liquefied natural gas supplies from the United States has decreased by about a third. Given the current sanctions against Arctic LNG-2 and possible restrictions on other Russian plants, the situation may lead to a shortage of gas.

• The first debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden took place. CNN organized the presidential candidates' election debate, where the former president and the current president refused to shake hands. The main focus was on the conflict in Ukraine: Biden warned that Moscow's capture of Kiev could provoke World War III, and Trump blamed Biden for the situation.

• The Estonian Parliament will not be able to help the government in confiscating frozen Russian assets. The fact is that there is no property in the country that is subject to automatic confiscation in favor of Ukraine. According to the Estonian Foreign Ministry, property worth €37-39 million was blocked in the country.

• The IMF forecasts the growth of the US national debt to 140% of GDP by 2032. The organization's report highlights the need to urgently stop the growth of borrowing, as the US budget deficit remains at 2.5% of GDP. This creates increasing problems for the global economy.

• NOVATEK continues to build Arctic LNG 2 despite the severe pressure of sanctions. The foundation of the second line and the first structures will begin to be laid on July 23-25. The previously imposed sanctions led to a big shift in the launch schedule of Arctic LNG 2 and the cancellation of the construction of 1 of the 3 lines. Problems with LNG tankers are added to this.