Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with SA counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, sounding a downbeat note on the Black Sea grain deal that expires on Monday.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said he and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to a comprehensive package of security, humanitarian and reconstruction aid after their meeting in Kyiv on Saturday. No details were provided.
Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the east and south continues in at least three areas and reportedly made small gains on Friday. The action comes as a top US intelligence officer last week termed the war a stalemate.
In his nightly video address on Friday, Zelensky described a “detailed” meeting with his top commanders to discuss conditions, including “the rational use of shells, supplies from partners and our own Ukrainian production”. Russian forces “are investing everything they can” to stop Kyiv’s advance, he said.
Debate continues about where Wagner forces earlier deployed in Ukraine, Africa and elsewhere will next operate from, after June’s attempted mutiny and subsequent revelations, including of a meeting with Putin days after the uprising.
Wagner
Wagner mercenaries have surfaced in Belarus as military trainers. On Saturday, Ukraine’s border service reported the movement of Wagner forces in Belarus, who had arrived from Russia.
Wheat and corn prices rose for a second session on Friday as uncertainty looms over the Ukraine grain deal nearing its expiration on Monday.
Time’s running out on the Black Sea agreement that’s allowed Ukraine to export millions of tonnes of grain in the past year. Putin told Ramaphosa on Saturday 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 — though its availability on the world market frees up supplies from elsewhere. Russia is the dominant world wheat supplier.
Bloomberg News. For more articles like this visit bloomberg.com
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.