Crude oil prices climbed by over 1% on Monday following sharp losses last week, as global attention shifted to the upcoming meeting between United States President Donald Trump and his Russian colleague Vladimir Putin, scheduled for August 15. The two leaders are expected to discuss the possibilities of ending the war in Ukraine. However, some uncertainty remains, as relations and rhetoric between the two presidents have changed abruptly and frequently in recent times. Additionally, Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on goods imported from India last week due to continued “purchase of Russian oil,” bringing the total duties on Indian imports to 50%. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for September’s deliveries rose by 1.34% at 8:15 am ET to $64.29 per barrel. At the same time, Brent for settlements in October advanced by 1.12% to $66.98 per barrel.