Russia is transferring record amounts of its flagship Urals crude at sea in an effort to overcome the high freight costs that have resulted from European sanctions.

The two largest U.S. defense contractors said ongoing supply chain challenges are hampering efforts to deliver on record weapons orders.

Boris Pistorius, Germany's Defense Minister, said on Sunday that he expects a decision soon on the delivery of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Annalena Baerbock, Germany's Foreign Minister, meanwhile, said Berlin would not block Poland from sending its own Leopard 2s to Ukraine.

Russia's seaborne crude exports fell last week after surging in the previous seven days. This contributed to the smallest inflow into the Kremlin's war-chest since Moscow sent its forces into Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the war in Ukraine is progressing positively, according to the defense ministry’s plan.