FM Spox Warns On Nordic Tensions; Putin Gives Detail Of Grain Deal

Comments from Russian Foreign Ministry spox Maria Zakharova. She states that Russia's first aim is 'preventing armed conflict between nuclear countries', and that 'nuclear countries must collaborate in order to avoid conflict'. Comes as the NYT runs a story reporting that Russian military leaders have discussed the use of tactical nuclear weapons on Ukrainian battlefields according to US officials.

• Zakharova also raises spectre of increased tensions in the Nordics as Norway raises its military preparedness level. She states, "Foreign military bases actually appeared in Norway on a permanent basis...We consider such developments near Russian borders as Oslo's deliberate pursuit of a destructive course toward escalation of tensions [...] any unfriendly actions will be followed by a timely and adequate response,"
• Norwegian military has spoken of an increase in drone activity near critical infrastructure, and is likely to be on edge following autumn attacks on Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic.
• Comments from President Vladimir Putin also hitting wires. Speaking on Black Sea grain deal says 'Russia reserves the right to withdraw from the deal if Ukraine violates its guarantees that it would not repeat attacks in the Black Sea.' Says that 'If we withdraw from the deal, we will not obstruct grain supplies from Ukraine to Turkey in the future'.