The future of Russia’s international oil and gas giant Lukoil’s assets remains shrouded in fog. However, it is clear that the forced dismantling of Lukoil’s empire, which is triggered by US sanctions, could be one of the most consequential energy auctions of the post-Cold War era. It is no longer merely a compliance-driven divestment; it has now been pivoted into a geopolitical contest. The latter is not only by Western majors and private equity companies, but also by Gulf sovereign investment machines, all vying for key pieces…