Two paintings from the conflict in Ukraine.

Trying to save the grain deal.

Reuters sources reported on June 1 that the UN is working to salvage an agreement between Russia and Ukraine that would allow Kyiv to transport grain through Black Sea ports under a "win-win" proposal. The first step in this plan is for the UN to propose that Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey, acting as an intermediary, prepare for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukrainian territory. The UN is also urging the parties to submit proposals for "radical improvement" of the grain corridor.

Sources indicate that through this move, the UN wants to exchange negotiations for an expansion of the Black Sea agreement to increase the number of ports Ukraine can use, as well as the types of goods that can be transported. Kyiv and Ankara have agreed to the new proposal, while Moscow has yet to respond.

This month, Russia agreed to extend the agreement for another two months but said the initiative would end if the West did not remove obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer exports. Moscow also called on all parties to lift the ban on ammonia shipments through Ukraine's Pivdennyi port.

Hai bức tranh từ xung đột ở Ukraine - Ảnh 1. — A grain ship in the Black Sea

When asked about the information, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said negotiations were still ongoing. Ukraine said workers would need about 30 days to prepare the pipeline to pump ammonia again. A source said Kyiv would consider allowing Russian ammonia to transit through Ukraine if Moscow extended the grain agreement.

The US sends more aid to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, on May 31, the US Department of Defense announced a new $300 million arms package for Ukraine, including Patriot and Avenger air defense systems, Aim-7 and Stinger missiles, as well as 30 million rounds of ammunition and other military equipment, according to The Guardian.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Washington has set basic rules for Kyiv, including that Ukraine cannot use Western weapons to attack Russian territory. According to Kirby, Ukraine has committed to this with the US.

Hai bức tranh từ xung đột ở Ukraine - Ảnh 2. — A building in Luhansk was damaged by shelling on May 31.

However, on the same day, TASS quoted Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov as saying that Washington's commitments were "worthless." According to Antonov, the new US military aid package demonstrates the country's indifference to Ukraine's actions.

Recently, Russia has repeatedly reported attacks inside its territory, most notably drone strikes in the capital Moscow and the border province between the two countries.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced that it repelled three cross-border attacks near the town of Shebekino in Russia's Belgorod province on June 1st. TASS quoted Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod, as saying yesterday that the number of people injured in the recent attacks in Shebekino has risen to eight. Kyiv has not commented but has previously denied responsibility for attacks inside Russian territory.

On the same day, June 1st, the Ukrainian Air Force announced that its air defenses had shot down all 10 ballistic and cruise missiles launched from Russia's Bryansk province in the 18th attack targeting the capital Kyiv since the beginning of May, according to Reuters. Moscow has not commented on this information.

Russia denies receiving weapons from South Africa.

TASS quoted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on May 31st as rejecting accusations by US Ambassador to Pretoria Reuben Brigety that South Africa had transferred weapons to Russia. According to Lavrov, both South Africa and Russia are sovereign states and their bilateral cooperation "fully adheres to the norms and principles of international law." He stated that Russia "never violates international rules" regarding arms supplies, while the West has been sending weapons to Ukraine.

Source link