Siberia

Siberia, a vast region in Russia, is in the news for several reasons. Recent reports highlight the arrest of two senior doctors in Novokuznetsk, Siberia, following the deaths of nine newborns in a maternity hospital during the New Year holiday. The cause of death remains undisclosed, sparking public anger. Simultaneously, Siberia's role as a significant source of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the European Union is under scrutiny. Despite pledges to ban Russian LNG imports by 2027 due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the EU continues to import substantial quantities, estimated at €7.2bn in 2023, effectively fueling the Kremlin's war efforts. These events underscore the region's complex position, balancing domestic healthcare crises with its significant role in global energy markets and geopolitical tensions.