Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with South African 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 President Volodymyr Zelenskiy 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 this week termed the war at a stalemate. In his nightly video address on Friday, Zelenskiy described a “detailed” meeting with his top commanders to discuss current 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 added.
Debate continues about where Wagner forces earlier deployed in Ukraine, Africa and elsewhere will next operate from, following June’s attempted mutiny and subsequent revelations — including of a meeting with Putin days after the uprising. Wagner mercenaries have surfaced in Belarus as military trainers, and on Saturday, Ukraine’s border service reported the movement of Wagner forces in Belarus who had arrived from Russia.
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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 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 tons of grain in the past year. Putin told Ramaphosa on Saturday that the terms still don’t meet Russia’s demands. Moscow has said repeatedly that more of Ukraine’s grain should be sent to Africa - although its availability on the world market frees up supplies from elsewhere, and Russia is currently the dominant world wheat supplier.
