President Vladimir Putin discounted the success of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, saying in a TV interview that “all attempts” to break through Russia’s defenses had failed. Ukraine’s armed forces have claimed slow but tangible progress in its bid to push back Russian occupying forces, which continues in at least three areas of the south and east of the country. Putin also discussed the US provision of cluster munitions to Ukraine, saying Russia would retaliate if the bombs are used on its forces.
Moscow-appointed officials in Sevastopol said air defense systems repelled multiple air and sea drones fired by Ukraine overnight at the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. Explosions were reported around Sevastopol overnight. Ukrainian drones were also shot down near Belgorod in southern Russia, about 50 miles (80 km) north of Kharkiv. Kremlin forces, meanwhile, attacked Kharkiv with S-300 missiles, regional governor Oleh Synyehubov said on Telegram. Kremlin troops also shelled the surrounding region with artillery and mortar, killing at least one civilian, he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday and sounded a downbeat note on the Black Sea grain deal that expires Monday. Vessels loading Ukrainian grain from Odesa on the Black Sea have dwindled to just one, the UN said.
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- Black Sea grain export deal set to expire Monday
Markets
Grain Prices Rise on Ukraine Uncertainty
Wheat and corn prices rose for a second session on Friday as uncertainty looms over the Ukraine grain export deal that’s set to expire on Monday.
Time’s running out on the Black Sea agreement that’s allowed Ukraine to export 33 millions tons of grain and foodstuffs in the past year. Putin told Ramaphosa that Russia’s demands still hadn’t been met. Moscow has said that more of Ukraine’s grain should be sent to developing countries, including in Africa - although its availability on the world market makes grain more plentiful in general. Russia is currently the dominant world wheat supplier.
