Vladimir Putin said that the Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and the decision to freeze participation in the Black Sea grain export program were a response to the drone attack on Moscow’s fleet in Crimea.

Russian military in DonetskPhoto: Viktor Antonyuk / Sputnik / Profimedia

The main thing for Tuesday, the 251st day of the war in Ukraine, TEXT OF THE LIVE MODE:

07:21 The UN nuclear watchdog agency has begun inspections of two nuclear facilities in Ukraine, the inspections are being conducted at Kyiv’s request in response to Russia’s accusations of developing a so-called “dirty bomb,” the head of the watchdog, Rafael Grossi, said on Monday.

06:49 France will continue efforts to implement a system that would allow grain to be exported by land via Poland and Romania, rather than via the Black Sea, after Russia scrapped a deal that allowed Ukrainian grain to be exported by sea.

A brief summary of recent events:

  • On Monday, Russia fired dozens of missiles at Ukrainian energy facilities, including hydroelectric power plants, which led to interruptions in the supply of electricity, mobile communications and water supply. Most of the cruise missiles were shot down by the Ukrainians.
  • Missile debris fell in the north of the Republic of Moldova after the Russian missile was intercepted by Ukrainian air defense.
  • The explosions rocked Kyiv in a new wave of attacks that, according to Prime Minister Shmyhal, targeted 10 Ukrainian regions and damaged 18 facilities, mostly related to energy. Ukrainian police reported 13 injured during Monday’s strikes.
  • Russia has completed the partial military mobilization announced in September, the Ministry of Defense reported.
  • Russia is not ending its participation in the agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea ports, but is suspending it, Putin said on Monday.
  • A record 354,500 tons of agricultural products left Ukrainian ports on Monday as part of the deal, the military administration in Odesa said, despite Russia’s decision to suspend the deal.
  • The Kremlin said it would be risky for Ukraine to continue exporting grain through the Black Sea now that Moscow has suspended its participation in the UN-brokered deal.
  • Zelensky said that his country will continue to export grain from its Black Sea ports, as supplies ensure the stability of global food markets.
  • Putin said that a gas hub could be established in Turkey fairly quickly, and predicted that many customers in Europe would want to sign contracts.
  • Britain has warned Putin of dire consequences if Moscow uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
  • From Tuesday, Norway will put its troops on high alert.
  • The Russian state press writes that one of the traditional allies has “put the brakes on” relations with Moscow: “It’s very worrying.”
  • The head of Ukrainian military intelligence, General Kyrylo Budanov, said that Vladimir Putin used at least three impersonators.

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  • Monday’s events were broadcast live on HotNews.ro