Once a day, NU.nl gives you an overview of the situation in Ukraine. This time: Putin says he wants to cooperate to allow grain exports to Ukraine and a video about the missile launch system that Ukraine wants so badly.
Russia is willing to cooperate in the “unconditional” export of grain from Ukraine. The Kremlin announced this on Saturday following a three-way telephone conversation between President Vladimir Putin, his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. For the first time since March, the trio held consultations in this way.
“Russia stands ready to help find options for unimpeded grain exports, including Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
It was reported from the German side that Putin would be willing to clear mines to allow ships access to ports in Ukraine. That would not lead to enemy Russian actions. The United Nations should play a central role in reaching an agreement and its implementation.
The phone call lasted eighty minutes. Macron and Scholz urged Putin to negotiate directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Putin warns of further destabilization
They also called for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of the Russian army from eastern and southern Ukraine. They also called on Putin to release the 2,500 fighters captured during the capture of the Azovstal complex in Mariupol.
Putin, in turn, warned of a further “destabilization” of the situation due to continued supplies of Western weapons to Ukraine.
Both Ukraine and Russia have problems with the export of, for example, grains due to the war. Ukraine is considered a major exporter of mainly maize and wheat, but production and exports are seriously hampered by the fighting.
Russia is also having a hard time getting rid of its grain and fertilizer. This is largely due to Western sanctions. The two countries produce a third of the world’s wheat, causing problems in the global food market.
This is how the heavy missile launch system Ukraine wants works
Ukraine has already received a lot of weapons and ammunition from the US, but the weapon that is highest on the wish list – the HIMARS missile launch system – is not easily received by the country.
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