(London Post in collaboration with AFP.AP, Reuters )- Russia ties long-term extension of Black Sea grain pact to ‘normalization of agricultural export.
“When the Black Sea grain deal was signed in Istanbul in July, Western sanctions on Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports were eased, and Russia could also make a profit. We had a parallel agreement.” It didn’t happen.
“Yesterday, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said, ‘We will extend the agreement for 60 days, but whether we extend beyond that will depend on the normalization of agricultural exports.
“He said: ‘Russia wants actions, not words,'” reports Mortimer.
European Commission to announce details on joint gas-purchase scheme
The European Commission will announce its next steps on Wednesday on launching a scheme for countries to jointly purchase gas in global markets, the bloc’s energy policy chief said on Tuesday.
The Commission is also preparing a proposal to extend beyond this winter a voluntary target for EU countries to cut their gas use by 15 percent during winter months, Simson said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his top military command agreed on Tuesday to continue to defend Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, the president’s office said.
Following a meeting involving the president, top government officials and military commanders, Zelensky’s office said in a statement:
“After considering the defensive operation in the Bakhmut direction, all members … expressed a common position to continue holding and defending the city of Bakhmut.”
Poland could give Ukraine MIG fighter jets in coming 4-6 weeks, PM says
Poland could give Ukraine MIG fighter jets in coming 4-6 weeks, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Tuesday.
Russian parliament votes to censor criticism of mercenary groups
Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, voted on Tuesday to approve an amendment that would punish those found guilty of discrediting “volunteer” groups fighting in Ukraine, extending a law that censors criticism of Russia’s armed forces.
Russia’s defence minister orders arms supplier to double production of high-precision weapons
Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday ordered a top Russian arms manufacturer to double its production of high-precision rockets, the TASS news agency reported.
Ukraine grain deal ‘consultations’ continuing after Russian proposal, UN says
The United Nations said Tuesday that “consultations” were continuing after Russia agreed to extend a vital Ukraine grain export deal, but only for a further 60 days, instead of the usual 120.
Strike on residential buildings in Kramatorsk kills one
A Russian missile strike on several residential buildings in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk killed one and wounded three people on Tuesday, Ukraine’s president said.
Images released by Zelensky showed police and rescuers working in front of a three-storey partially-destroyed brick building with shattered windows. “The evil state continues to fight against civilians,” Zelensky said, adding that rescue operations are underway.
Kramatorsk is located in the eastern industrial zone of Donetsk, parts of which, including the largest city, have been ruled by Kremlin-backed separatists since his 2014.
Talks are underway with all parties to the Black Sea Grains Agreement, according to the UN
A UN spokesman said Tuesday that informal talks between the UN and parties to the Black Sea Grains Agreement continue to be extended, adding that direct talks with Russia have already ended.
Griffiths and UN trade representative Rebecca Grinspan met with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin in Geneva on Monday, with the latter proposing to extend the agreement by 60 days, or half of the last extension period.
