Blats Reported at Moldova's State Security HQ in Transnistria Region

LOCAL NEWS

• Blasts tear through state security HQ in Moldova’s Russia-aligned breakaway Transnistria region yesterday afternoon. Although no casualties were registered it is a concern for Moldova following comments from a Russian General citing oppression of Russians that could see Putin focus his military attention there next. – RTRS
• Lavrov warns that risks of nuclear war are “serious & real”, and the Kremlin wants to reduce all chances of artificially elevating those risks. Said the conflict would end with an agreement, but the content would depend on the military situation.
  • Lavrov said Ukraine has taken a massive step back by abandoning the Istanbul agreements. Also noted that statements by Polish authorities suggest they wish to send forces to Ukraine under NATO peacekeeping flags.
  • UNSG Guterres will meet Putin & Lavrov today to discuss the situation (1230BST & 1330BST presser). Putin will also hold a phone call with Turkey’s Erdogan – Tass, RIA
• Intense fighting continues in the separatist republics with Ukrainian military command saying that Russia is targeting supply routes to disrupt arms deliveries from foreign countries.
  • 5 train stations were targeted yesterday with missile strikes, and Ukraine’s MoD says the city of Kreminna has fallen to Russian occupation. Zelensky warned that there is currently no end in sight for the conflict – bbg
• UK MoD warns that Ukraine’s grain harvest is likely to be 20% lower than 2021 due to reduced sowing. Reduced grain supply is expected to boost inflationary pressures on a global scale – Sky