President Vladimir Putin discussed the US provision of cluster munitions to Kyiv in a TV interview, saying Russia would retaliate if the weapons — which have already arrived in Ukraine — are used on its forces. The Russian leader discounted Ukraine’s counteroffensive, saying “all attempts” to break through Russia’s defenses had failed. Ukraine’s armed forces have claimed tangible if slow progress in the bid to push back Russian occupying forces in the country’s south and east.
(Bloomberg) — President Vladimir Putin discussed the US provision of cluster munitions to Kyiv in a TV interview, saying Russia would retaliate if the weapons — which have already arrived in Ukraine — are used on its forces. The Russian leader discounted Ukraine’s counteroffensive, saying “all attempts” to break through Russia’s defenses had failed. Ukraine’s armed forces have claimed tangible if slow progress in the bid to push back Russian occupying forces in the country’s south and east.
The Black Sea grain deal that’s allowed Ukraine to export some 33 million tons of grain in the past year expires on Monday. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Russia would incur an “enormous diplomatic cost,” including among Global South countries if it failed to agree to an extension. Putin sounded a downbeat note on the deal when speaking Saturday with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying Russia’s demands haven’t been met. Vessels loading Ukrainian grain from Odesa on the Black Sea have dwindled to just one, the UN said.
Moscow-appointed officials said air defense systems repelled multiple air and sea drones fired by Ukraine overnight at Sevastopol, the largest city on the Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. Drones were also shot down near Belgorod in southern Russia. Kremlin forces, meanwhile, attacked Kharkiv, about 50 miles south of Belgorod, with S-300 missiles, regional governor Oleh Synyehubov said on Telegram.
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Markets
Grain Prices Rise on Ukraine Uncertainty
Wheat and corn prices rose for a second session on Friday as uncertainty looms over the future of the Ukraine grain export deal.
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 supplies more plentiful, and cheaper, in general. Russia is currently the dominant world wheat exporter.
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