Diplomacy
Heading into the weekend, there were notes of “fear and suspicion” regarding the Ukraine-Russia-Turkey-UN grain deal to unlock exports due to what Russia might do. On Saturday, Russia launched a missile strike on the Ukrainian port of Odesa. Russia claimed it was hitting military targets. The attack was caught on video and condemned by the U.S., EU, UN, and others.
Two Americans, a Canadian, and a Swede were killed in eastern Ukraine in a tank attack.
Sanctions
No news of note
Consequences
Russia is cutting gas flow to Europe via the Nord Stream I pipeline down to 20%. Russia blames ongoing turbine problems, while Germany says there’s no reason.
Ukraine Sitrep
Slovakia is discussing sending MiG-29s to Ukraine. Ukraine claims to have struck a building where 50 high-profile Russian military officials were meeting.