The article examines the main elements of influence and mechanisms of imple- mentation of the global strategy of energy transition and decarbonization of energy and industry in Central Asian countries. Various aspects of the ideological, political and energy impact of the introduction of the green agenda on Central Asian economies and societies are analyzed separately. Various decarbonization mechanisms have been launched in the European Union, which could negatively affect the export and development of energy in the region in the near future. Similar processes are developing in China, which is important for the Central Asian economies. Under these conditions, the republics of post-Soviet Asia are trying to implement some elements of the energy transition program formulated within the framework of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and subsequently developed by the countries of the collective West in their national economic development models. The possibilities and prospects for realizing the stated commitments in the field of green economic policy are being assessed, which means that sustainable economic growth and energy development in the region’s countries are already facing progressive negative trends.

The article explores the cooperation between China and the EU in implementing joint programs aimed at linking their emissions quota trading systems as part of broader efforts to achieve shared environmental goals under the 2015 Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Both China and the EU acknowledge the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change. Since 2014, the EU has provided technical assistance and capacity-building support to aid China in developing and implementing its emissions trading scheme, including both regional pilot projects and a national system. This support has been delivered through initiatives such as the “Platform for Policy Dialogue and Cooperation on Emissions Trading”. The platform has facilitated policy dialogue between China’s Ministry of Environment and the European Commission, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2018 to further enhance cooperation on emissions trading. The 2018 EU-China Summit reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to the Paris Agreement and deepened bilateral cooperation in several areas, including the development of long-term emission reduction strategies. Emissions trading has emerged as a central focus of this partnership. The full integration of the EU and China’s emissions trading systems would bring benefits to all participants. Closer climate policy cooperation with China could reinforce the EU’s role as a global leader in combating climate change. For China, access to a more established and well-regulated carbon market could support improvements in its environmental standards.

The article analyzes the widespread discussions in the international and domestic media since President Trump’s arrival in the White House about the alleged possible resumption of Russian natural gas supplies to the European Union through the existing but inactive infrastructure, which the United States is ready/intends/ would like to put under its control. The author explores the economic and geopolitical background of these discussions, linking them to the long-term strategy of the United States to displace Russian energy resources from the European market. Special attention is paid to the role of American LNG in the EU’s policy aimed at completely eliminating Russian gas by 2027.

The research is based on the author’s deep understanding, due to the specifics of his many years of professional and academic work, of practical issues of cooperation between Russia and the EU, on the one hand, and the United States and the EU, on the other, in the energy sector, in which the EU market is a zone of collision of long-term competitive interests of the United States and the Russian Federation. The United States has been trying to resolve these competitive contradictions for a long time using a wide range of methods, including non-economic ones, and was eventually able to achieve, including through administrative and sabotage methods, the gradual elimination of Russian network gas from the EU market. The author critically analyzes media reports, official statements by politicians and representatives of energy companies, regulatory acts, including the US CAATSA law and the EU REPowerEU program, expert assessments, technical and economic data from gas transmission systems (GTS of Ukraine, Nord Stream 2) and the chronology of events.

The results of the analysis prove that US initiatives, such as Stephen Lynch’s proposal to purchase Nord Stream 2 or gain control of the Ukrainian and/or Bulgarian GTS, are aimed not at restoring, but at blocking possible Russian gas supplies to protect the interests of American LNG in the EU. The policy of the current EU itself, including 18 packages of anti-Russian sanctions and the REPowerEU program, is aimed at a gradual complete abandonment of imports of any Russian energy resources by 2027. Discussions about the possibilities of transit through Ukraine or the resumption of work of the Joint Venture-2 in the event of US control over them are tactical, distracting and are used as a lever of soft pressure on Russia to quickly freeze the Ukrainian conflict.

The author concludes that speculation about the impending acquisition of U.S. control over the Russian gas export infrastructure abroad, ostensibly to return Russian gas to the EU, actually serves as a tool of political manipulation, rather than reflecting the real political, economic, or energy needs of both the United States and Europe itself under its current ruling elites. The United States is not interested in resuming Russian gas supplies to the EU, but in maintaining its own control over the European energy market as a market for LNG produced in the United States. For Russia, misinterpretation of the discussions going on in the international media and expert circles, uncritical interpretation of the statements of politicians creates risks of inflated expectations, which can lead to strategic miscalculations. The article emphasizes the need for a sober assessment of geopolitical and economic realities when planning energy policy, which requires a qualified understanding of the technical, geographical, economic, financial, and legal nuances of the issues under discussion.

The potential of the hydropower complex of Armenia is presented in the context of ensuring energy security. The prospects for the development of hydropower in Armenia are determined via the challenges of diversification of the energy security system. Special attention is paid to the problems of international cooperation in the field of hydropower, in particular, the problems and prospects for the construction of the Armenian-Iranian Meghri HPP are studied. The authors identify a number of geopolitical and economic reasons for freezing the project. The possibility of exporting electricity from Armenia to Iran is assessed in the context of a growing energy deficit in the Islamic Republic. Various aspects of state policy in the hydropower sector are critically examined. The peculiarities of small hydropower functioning in Armenia are studied with the determination of its strategic role in ensuring the energy security of the republic. It was established that in the conditions of liberalization of the electricity market it is necessary to create equal conditions for all energy sectors, thus ensuring a convergent approach to the harmonious development of the energy system.

The study of the activities of large FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) companies in the Russian market under sanctions is highly relevant. The sanctions regime has radically changed the established logistics routes and supply chains. The FMCG sector provides the population with essential goods, which makes it strategi- cally important to maintain social stability and prevent shortages, control inflationary processes in the everyday goods segment, and maintain the availability of a wide range of consumer goods.

The purpose of the study is to identify key areas for improving the efficiency of foreign economic activity of large FMCG companies within the sanctioned Russian market. The object of the study is large FMCG companies that sell products on the Russian market. The subject of the research is the key areas of foreign economic activity of large FMCG companies in the Russian market. The research methods insclude ystemic analyses, synthesis, comparison; method of logical generalization and scientific abstraction; methods of grouping and classification; tabular and graphical method – for visualization of research results. In the course of the research, a comprehensive analysis of the features of foreign economic activity of FMCG companies in the Russian market in the new realities of political and economic instability and international restrictions was carried out. The directions of improving the foreign eco- nomic activity of large FMCG companies in the Russian market in order to increase their competitiveness were also identified.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) plays an important role in the global trade and logistics system, actively developing infrastructure and international cooperation. The relevance of the study is based on the need to analyze strategies for economic diversification and strengthening of the UAE’s position on the global stage.

The authors used statistical data analysis, expert assessments, and strategic plan­ning documents (for example, «Vision 2021» and «UAE Soft Power Strategy»). Comparative and systemic approaches allowed us to examine the role of seaports (Jebel Ali, Fujairah) and aviation transport, as well as international initiatives such as the IMEC project.

The study showes that the UAE is successfully reducing its dependence on the oil sector by actively developing trade with key partners (China, India, Saudi Arabia). Trade volume with these countries demonstrates steady growth. Port infrastructure and aviation transport contribute to transforming the UAE into a global logistics hub. Participation in the IMEC project highlights the country’s ambitions as a key player in international transport corridors.

Trade and logistics communications are a central element of the UAE’s foreign policy strategy, contributing to economic growth and strengthening international ties. For further success, the country needs to adapt to global challenges such as geopolitical instability and competition in the region. Prospects include expanding the logistics network and deepening cooperation with leading global economies.

The article examines the specifics of Turkey’s policy aimed at strengthening its influence in the countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Ankara at­taches great importance to promoting the idea of creating a free trade zone along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and combining it with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. In this context, the Turkish side sets the goal of reducing and then eliminating customs duties, optimizing transit procedures and ensuring safe transport links between the East and the West. Against the backdrop of deepening humanitarian and cultural interaction, one of the priorities in Turkey’s policy is the development of trade and economic ties, where the main focus, especially recently, has been on construction, contracting and investment projects.

The authors also describe the main directions, tools and methods for promoting the interests of the Turkish side, the achievements, problems and challenges it faces, as well as assess the state of various areas of cooperation and the prospects for its de­velopment both regionally and nationally. The conclusion is that in the near future, Turkish business will be able to compete in the OTS countries with companies from leading world powers in the field of investment and services, including contract work.

Modern video games have long transcended the classical «buy–and-play» model. The industry has undergone revolutionary changes, moving to the «Games-as-a-Service» (GaAs) model, where constant support, updates and content development become key success factors. This transition is due to several reasons: increasing competition, increasing the cost of developing AAA projects, and changing con­sumer expectations. Players now want to receive not just a finished product, but an ever-evolving world with new events and opportunities. The article discusses current trends in the field of video game monetization, including free-to-play games with microtransactions and subscriptions. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each model. For example, microtransactions allow studios to earn stable income, but they can cause a negative reaction from players if they disrupt the balance or are perceived as «pay-to-win». The classification of monetization methods has been carried out, and the key features of game services have been identified: mandatory online connectivity, regular updates, active interac­tion with the community, and flexible monetization systems. Statistics confirm that microtransactions remain one of the main trends in the video game industry. The phenomenon of Fortnite, which has become a benchmark for commercial gaming success due to cross-platform, regular events and a well-thought-out battle pass system, is considered separately. Thus, the video game industry continues to evolve, offering new ways to interact with the audience and monetize content, which opens up great opportunities for developers and publishers.