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Ukraine war: Ship leaves Odesa despite Russia Black Sea attack fears

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A Hong Kong-flagged merchant ship named Joseph Schulte, which had been stuck in the Ukrainian port of Odesa due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has departed the port. Despite concerns that Russia might target vessels in the Black Sea, the ship left after Kyiv announced a “humanitarian corridor” for ships in the Black Sea. This corridor was established following the collapse of a previous deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain. The ship’s departure comes after Russian air strikes reportedly damaged grain storage facilities in Reni, a port on the Danube river.

Ukrainian officials released images showing the destruction of storage facilities and crops in Reni. Despite the attacks, the port is said to be operational. Russia has not commented on these latest developments. Previously, Russia withdrew from an agreement that guaranteed safe passage for ships in the Black Sea, suggesting that ships heading to Ukrainian ports could be considered military targets.

Ukraine, a significant exporter of grain and oilseeds, has faced challenges due to the blockade, leading to global increases in food prices. In response to these threats, Ukraine established a humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea to facilitate the departure of ships from its ports. The Joseph Schulte was carrying over 30,000 tonnes of cargo, including food, and was headed to Istanbul, Turkey. The corridor is intended to help evacuate ships that have been trapped in Black Sea ports since the start of Russia’s invasion.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have been conducting a counter-offensive to retake territory from Russian forces in the eastern Donetsk region. Despite receiving military equipment from Western countries, their advances have been limited. Recent clashes have led to the evacuation of many residents in the country’s east. Russia has also reported downing drones near Moscow in a series of attacks on Russian cities.

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Russian Ruble Hits Lowest Point Against US Dollar in 16 Months

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The Russian ruble has reached its lowest point in 16 months, dropping below 100 against the US dollar.

This decline is a result of mounting pressures on the Russian economy, marked by a faster increase in imports compared to exports and heightened military expenditures due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western nations imposed sanctions on Russia. Although the ruble initially plummeted during the onset of the conflict, it received some support from capital controls and exports of oil and gas.

Since the war began, the ruble’s value has been fluctuating, but it has overall lost around 25% of its value against the US dollar since the invasion of Ukraine.

On a recent Monday, the ruble’s exchange rate was 101.04 per US dollar. A higher number of rubles needed to buy a dollar indicates the currency’s weakening, given the dollar’s status as a dominant global currency.

Russia’s central bank has suggested the possibility of a key interest rate increase but maintains that the country’s financial stability is not under threat. In response to the invasion, the bank had raised rates from 9.5% to 20%, subsequently reducing them.

Jane Foley, Managing Director at Rabobank London, noted the progressive weakening of the ruble throughout the year, with the pace accelerating since late July. She attributed this trend to Russia’s challenging economic fundamentals, such as budget deficits and export pressures.

Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell, indicated that Western sanctions, particularly concerning oil and gas, were negatively impacting Russia’s trade and economy. The EU countries heavily reliant on Russian energy sources pledged to decrease their dependence and explore alternative suppliers.

The imposition of a price cap by G7 and EU leaders in December 2022, aimed at limiting Russia’s oil export revenue by maintaining oil prices below $60 per barrel, contributed to the reduction in Russia’s oil-related exports.

The interruption of gas supplies to Europe by Russia also played a role. Germany, a significant importer, announced its reduced reliance on Russian fossil fuels for energy.

Mould stated that the exclusion of Russia from Swift, a global payment system, had further impacted Moscow.

He pointed out that the ruble’s depreciation should also be considered alongside the strength of the US dollar. The dollar’s gain against emerging currencies was partly attributed to the robust US economy, prompting the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates while many emerging central banks were cutting rates.

The attractiveness of holding dollars or dollar-denominated assets was further enhanced due to higher cash returns in dollars compared to other currencies.

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New Russian Schoolbook Seeks to Legitimize Military Action in Ukraine

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Moscow authorities have introduced a new educational textbook aimed at rationalizing the war in Ukraine and attributing blame to Western nations for Russia’s predicament. As per extracts disclosed by Russian media, the school material asserts that humanity’s survival was at stake if Vladimir Putin hadn’t initiated his “special military operation” against Ukraine. The textbook, titled “Russian History, 1945 – early 21st century,” was co-written by Vladimir Medinsky, a former Russian culture minister and current presidential adviser.

Notably, this marks the first officially sanctioned history book in Russian schools covering events as recent as the complete invasion of Ukraine, which commenced in February 2022. Beginning September, it will be taught in the final year of Russian secondary education, attended by 17 to 18-year-old students.

The textbook argues that Western powers are dedicated to destabilizing Russia and disseminating “unconcealed Russophobia.” It contends that the West is deliberately dragging Russia into conflicts, with the ultimate goal of dismantling the nation and gaining control over its mineral resources. The book also relies on familiar Kremlin narratives, depicting Ukraine as an aggressive state led by nationalist extremists manipulated by the West to act against Russia.

The textbook distorts historical facts. For instance, it frames Russia’s initial involvement in Ukraine in 2014 as a response to a popular uprising in eastern Donbas, without mentioning Russia’s military involvement in the region. The book cites the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO as a key reason for the full-scale invasion in 2022, suggesting that such an event would have prompted Russia to wage war against the entire NATO alliance, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.

The textbook also inaccurately claims that Ukraine planned to turn Sevastopol into a NATO base and pursue nuclear weapons. Additionally, it misrepresents the linguistic demographics of Ukraine’s population, asserting that 80% spoke Russian as their mother tongue before 2014, when the actual figure was much lower.

In the context of mounting evidence linking Russian forces to atrocities in Ukraine, the textbook warns students about the proliferation of staged media content and fake imagery. The book critiques Western sanctions against Russia following the invasion, depicting them as efforts to undermine Russia’s economy and wrongly asserting that they violate international law.

Furthermore, the exodus of Western businesses from Russia post-invasion is depicted in a positive light, being characterized as a “fantastic opportunity” for Russian entrepreneurs.

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Armed Drones Strike Grain Warehouses near Ukraine-Romania Border in Odesa Conflict

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A Russian drone strike targeted port facilities in Izmail, Ukraine, situated close to the River Danube and adjacent to NATO member state Romania. The attack resulted in the damaging of a grain warehouse, a passenger building, and a grain loading elevator. This comes after Russia abandoned a UN deal that allowed both countries to export grain safely across the Black Sea. The attack has sparked a large fire in the port area, with videos from the Romanian side of the Danube capturing the extent of the blaze.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis condemned the continued attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure near Romania, stating that they are unacceptable. Odesa regional leader Oleh Kiper confirmed that emergency services were responding to the latest attack, but no casualties were reported.

Ukraine, a major exporter of wheat and corn, has been severely affected by the Russian attacks on its port facilities. The River Danube is now seen as an alternative route for exports, but the attacks are causing significant disruptions and logistical challenges. The continuous targeting of Ukrainian ports by Russia is viewed as an attempt to control Ukraine’s grain exports and exert influence in the region.

In addition to the attacks on port facilities, Russia has also launched drone strikes against Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, though no official response has been issued by Russia regarding these reported attacks.

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Russian Missiles Strike Apartment Block and Security Service Building in Dnipro

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On Friday evening, Dnipro, an eastern Ukrainian city, experienced a missile attack that caused injuries to at least nine people, including two children, as reported by officials. A BBC team at the scene confirmed that the top floor of a large residential tower block was severely damaged in the strike. Additionally, a building belonging to Ukraine’s security services (SBU) was also hit, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, who attributed the attack to “Russian missile terror.” Zelensky shared a video on Telegram depicting the damaged buildings and a street-level fire.

Emergency meetings were convened by President Zelensky with the SBU, interior ministry, emergency services, and local officials in response to the incident. Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths from the attack. However, two children, aged 14 and 17, were among those injured and were receiving treatment at home, according to Regional head Serhiy Lysak. The missile strike occurred at 20:30 local time.

Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov revealed that this was the third time the SBU building had been targeted by Russia. Fortunately, both buildings struck were largely empty at the time. The residential tower had recently been completed, and units were being offered for sale.

In retaliation, Russia claimed that it intercepted two Ukrainian missiles over its southern Rostov region, resulting in 15 injuries from falling debris in the city of Taganrog. The Russian defense ministry stated that the first missile was directed at “residential infrastructure” in the city, while the second missile was downed near the city of Azov, causing debris to fall in an unpopulated area. Taganrog, a coastal city located about 25 miles (40km) from the Ukrainian border, is on the road leading to Mariupol, a strategic port city that had previously suffered significant damage from Russian shelling.

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Ukraine war: Russia attacks grain stores at River Danube ports

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According to local officials, Russian drones have targeted and destroyed grain storage facilities at Ukrainian ports along the River Danube, which are situated just across the river from NATO-member Romania. The River Danube serves as a crucial export route for Kyiv, especially after Russia withdrew from a deal that allowed Ukraine to ship wheat, corn, and other products via the Black Sea.

One such attack occurred in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, where a grain depot was destroyed. The attacks have caused significant damage, with more than 60,000 tonnes of grain being destroyed in the past week. This has resulted in an 8% increase in grain prices in global markets since Russia pulled out of the grain deal on 17 July.

The collapse of the deal has also led to Russia resuming its targeting of port locations in Ukraine, which had been suspended during the deal. Odesa’s head, Oleh Kiper, reported that the infrastructure in the Danube ports of Reni and Izmail was attacked for four hours using Iranian-made drones. Multiple warehouses and storage tanks were destroyed in the attacks.

The situation has raised concerns for regional security and has been condemned by Romanian President Klaus Yohannis, as the attacks occurred very close to Romanian territory. The River Danube, as well as road and rail routes from Ukraine to neighboring countries like Poland and Romania, have been developed as alternative export channels since the Russian invasion. However, these routes have been able to handle only a fraction of Ukraine’s export needs and are more expensive compared to sea transport.

Ukraine’s status as Europe’s breadbasket makes it the world’s seventh-largest wheat exporter, with 71% of its land being used for agriculture. In response to the attacks on Ukraine’s grain exports, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia can replace Ukrainian grain for countries in Africa on a commercial or free-of-charge basis. This comes ahead of a Russia-Africa summit in Moscow.

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Kramatorsk: Alleged Russian spy to be charged over deadly strike

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that a suspected Russian agent involved in the deadly attack in Kramatorsk will be charged with treason. Zelensky emphasized that those assisting Russia in causing harm deserve the harshest punishment. The missile strike on a popular restaurant claimed the lives of twelve individuals, including three teenagers. The Ukrainian authorities claim that the suspect, a resident of Kramatorsk, had sent video footage of the restaurant to the Russian military prior to its destruction. The city of Kramatorsk is under Ukrainian control but is situated near Russian-occupied areas. Rescue efforts are still underway, and the security services have released a photo of the arrested suspect, who could face life imprisonment.

The targeted restaurant, called the Ria lounge, was a frequented venue for international journalists, volunteers, and Ukrainian soldiers taking breaks from the nearby front lines. Several people, including Colombian nationals and a prominent Ukrainian writer, were injured in the attack. One witness described the aftermath of the explosion, mentioning the surreal sight of particles moving in slow motion. A leading Ukrainian writer is in critical condition following the incident.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro denounced the attack on Colombian citizens and instructed the foreign ministry to issue a diplomatic protest. The Colombian peace negotiator who was present during the attack sustained minor injuries. Ukrainian officials have been urging their allies to provide modern fighter jets to enhance their defense capabilities against Russian strikes. The United States recently announced its support for Ukraine by allowing Western allies to supply American-made F16s and training Ukrainian pilots to operate the jets. The Russian government has claimed that its strikes target military installations and alleged the destruction of a temporary deployment of Ukrainian commanders in Kramatorsk without providing further details.

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Belarus leader welcomes Wagner boss Prigozhin into exile

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The leader of Russia’s 24-hour mutiny, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has arrived in Belarus after his Wagner mercenary group’s mutiny ended south of Moscow. Alexander Lukashenko, the leader of Belarus, claimed credit for arranging Prigozhin’s exile and stated that the Wagner mercenaries were offered an abandoned military base in Belarus if they wanted to join their leader.

As part of the agreement that ended the mutiny, Prigozhin has been promised security, and the Russian criminal case against Wagner has been dropped. The presence of Wagner in Belarus has raised concerns among neighboring NATO members, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania, who fear possible sabotage and infiltration operations. NATO has expressed readiness to defend against any threat from Moscow or Minsk and plans to strengthen its defenses in countries bordering Belarus.

Russia has recently deployed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, stating that they would only be used if Russian territory was threatened. There are mixed reactions among the Belarusian public, with some expressing concern about having someone like Prigozhin in their country. The mutiny has revealed weaknesses in the Kremlin’s control of security in Russia, but President Putin praised Russian security forces for stopping a potential civil war.

Putin also acknowledged that the state fully funded Prigozhin’s private army, which included expenditures on salaries, bonuses, and catering services. The events surrounding the mutiny remain somewhat unclear, with reports of downed military helicopters and conflicting claims about casualties. Lukashenko revealed a version of events in which he acted as an intermediary between Putin and Prigozhin, suggesting that he could play a role in managing the mercenary forces in Africa.

Observers speculate that the crisis has weakened both Putin and Lukashenko, potentially leading to more repression in Belarus in the short term and uncertainty about Russia’s reliability as a pillar of support for Lukashenko in the long term.

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Wagner Mercenaries in Russian Urban Areas Defy Putin’s Accusations of Rebellion

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Russian Private Military Contractor, Wagner Group’s Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin Claims Control of Military Sites in Rostov-on-Don, Defying President Putin’s Accusations of Betrayal

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Russian private military contractor Wagner Group, has asserted that his mercenaries have taken over “all military facilities” in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don. Reports suggest that they have also been deployed in Voronezh, located further north, following Prigozhin’s threat to march on Moscow and remove Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu from power.

President Vladimir Putin has condemned these actions, referring to them as a “stab in the back” and vowing to punish those who have “betrayed” Russia. Security measures have been tightened in numerous regions, including Moscow.

The Wagner Group, known for its involvement alongside the regular Russian army in the conflict in Ukraine, has been experiencing increasing tensions with the military leadership over their differing approaches to the war. Prigozhin has been openly criticizing Russia’s military command in recent months.

The situation escalated dramatically after Prigozhin accused the Russian military of targeting his group’s base in Ukraine, a claim that Moscow denies.

Prigozhin insists that this is not a military coup, but rather an attempt to overthrow Russia’s military leadership. However, President Putin, in his address, described the situation as an act of “treason.”

While Prigozhin was not mentioned by name, President Putin warned that those who engaged in betrayal, armed rebellion, blackmail, or terrorist methods would face severe consequences under the law and before the Russian people.

In response, Prigozhin, for the first time directly criticizing the Russian leader, stated that his troops were “patriots of our motherland” and argued that President Putin was “profoundly mistaken” to accuse them of betrayal.

In a video shared on his Telegram channel, Prigozhin claimed that his fighters had entered Rostov-on-Don after crossing the border from Ukraine, asserting that his forces would eliminate anyone obstructing their path. However, the location and veracity of his claim regarding shooting down a Russian military helicopter that allegedly fired upon a civilian convoy remain unverified.

President Putin acknowledged the challenging situation in Rostov-on-Don, where Wagner forces reportedly control military installations. The city of Voronezh, en route to Moscow, is also said to be under their control, prompting the governor to initiate a “counter-terrorism operation.”

Previously, Prigozhin and President Putin had a close relationship. However, this latest challenge, combined with the complications arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has presented a headache for the Russian leader. Consequently, Putin has taken a firm stance, declaring “enough is enough.”

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Ukraine strikes Chonhar bridge to Crimea, says Russia

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According to Russian officials, Ukraine has launched an attack on a bridge that connects southern Ukraine to the Crimean peninsula using long-range British missiles. The two Chonhar bridges were both damaged, but there were no casualties reported. The governor of occupied Kherson, Vladimir Saldo, claimed that the attack was likely ordered by London and carried out using British Storm Shadow missiles. The bridge is a crucial route from Crimea to the front line in the south and serves as a significant link to the occupied city of Melitopol. Photographs shared by Vladimir Saldo revealed a significant hole in one of the bridges, but he assured that repairs would be made promptly and temporary alternative routes would be provided for vehicles.

Russia relies on this road as a land connection to Crimea, and Melitopol is believed to be one of the targets of Ukraine’s counter-offensive, which commenced in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia earlier this month. In 2014, Russian forces seized the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine and subsequently invaded Ukraine’s southern coastal region in February of the following year. Last autumn, Ukraine recaptured the Kherson region situated north of the Dnipro river. However, this month, the Kakhovka dam on the river was destroyed in a suspected Russian sabotage attack, which has impeded a Ukrainian offensive across the Dnipro.

Ukraine’s offensive has been progressing slowly, with the recapture of eight villages thus far. Russian forces have continued targeting Ukrainian cities, including residential areas in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyih Rih and the southern port of Odesa. President Zelensky informed the Ukrainian people that intelligence services had received information about Russia planning a “scenario of a terrorist attack” on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which was seized during last year’s full-scale invasion. The plant, the largest in Europe, has all its reactors shut down; however, the United Nations’ atomic energy agency warned about the “extremely fragile” safety and security situation there. Water levels in the channel used to cool the reactors have decreased due to the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, and tensions have risen around the plant amid reports of Ukraine’s counter-offensive. The Kremlin swiftly dismissed President Zelensky’s comments as “another lie.”

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