Latest news from Russia and the war in Ukraine
Russia undecided on whether to extend grain export deal
The Malta flagged bulk carrier Zante en-route to Belgium transits the Bosphorus carrying 47,270 metric tons of rapeseed from Ukraine after being held at the entrance of the Bosphorus due to Russia pulling out of the Black Sea Grain agreement on November 02, 2022 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Chris Mcgrath | Getty Images
The Kremlin said it has not yet decided on whether to extend a grain export deal with Ukraine, despite deciding Wednesday to resume its participation in the “Black Sea Grain Inititative.”
The current deal is due to expire on Nov. 19 unless both Russia and Ukraine decide to renew the deal, which has enabled over 9 million tons of grains and foodstuffs to be exported from the war-torn country. The deal was brokered by the U.N. and Turkey and is overseen by their officials as well as those from Russia and Ukraine.
Russia had suspended its participation in the deal last Saturday, accusing Ukraine of using the established humanitarian corridor for military purposes, but rejoined on Wednesday saying it had received guarantees from Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov waits to watch the Victory Day military parade at Red Square in central Moscow on May 9, 2022.
Kirill Kudryavtsev | Afp | Getty Images
Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters Thursday that Moscow’s renewed participation in the deal did not necessarily mean it would be renewed.
“Of course, we still have to discuss the issue of extension officially, the deadline has not expired yet, it is still working … but by the 19th, before making a decision to continue, it will be necessary to assess the effectiveness of the implementation of the deal. And only then can a decision be made.”
Peskov said Turkey had been given guarantees to Moscow that the corridor would not be used for military purposes, an accusation Ukraine denies in any case, and praised Ankara’s work on maintaining the deal, noting “Turkey’s participation in this is the main factor of trust.”
— Holly Ellyatt
Possible North Korea-Russia arms deal prompts concern
South Korea has said it is concerned about evidence of an arms deal between North Korea and Russia, after the White House accused the regime in Pyongyang of covertly shipping artillery shells to Russia.
Seoul’s foreign ministry told NBC Thursday that the government “is concerned about circumstantial evidences pointing to the arms deal between NK and Russia.” The ministry said it was monitoring the situation very closely and “maintained a close communication with our allies including the U.S.”
“All arms trading with NK is banned under the UNSC resolutions no.1718,” the ministry added.
North Korea leader Kim Jong Un (L) attends a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) in Vladivostok, Russia, on April, 25, 2019.
Kremlin | Handout | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
On Wednesday, the U.S.’ National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the White House believes North Korea is covertly supplying a “significant number” of artillery shells to Russia for use in Ukraine, NBC News reported.
“We are going to monitor to see whether the shipments are received,” Kirby said. “It is not an insignificant…
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