Ukraine "Unpleasantly Surprised" By US Refusal to Sanction Nord Stream 2

LOCAL NEWS

• Ukraine "unpleasantly surprised" by US refusal to impose sanctions against Nord Stream 2, given that Biden understands Ukraine better than previous presidents and can appreciate the risks involved.
  • Notes recent decisions have lowered Ukraine's confidence in US support
• Russia's EU rep says Russia & Nord Stream 2's operator are ready for problems which the West could create for the pipeline's work.
  • Comes after Putin said the first stage of the pipeline was ready to move gas and the second line would be completed in 1.5-2 months
• Economic Development Minister says Inflation this year might exceed the current forecast of 4.3%, which will be revised in July.
  • But at the same time, this is a known risk, we understand how to manage it and are carefully watching it
• Govt introduces ban on the export of buckwheat, buckwheat cereals and buckwheat grain. It will be valid until August 31 inclusive. Aim is to maintain the required volumes and prevent sharp price fluctuations.
• Russia reports new high in covid cases w/w, reaching 62,995 last week (1.7% increase vs last week) over the weekend cases hit 9.1k/day.
  • Incidence rose to 6.2 people per 100k, but the spread of infection decreased from 1.1 to 0.99 – resulting in a mixed to slightly worse virus picture
• Russian FM says NATO is meddling in Russia-Belarus affairs to stop integration – in response to NATO's comment expressing readiness to "protect members from the threat posed by Moscow & Minsk"