Russia Hits Ukrainian Grain Facility; New Video Appears to Show Wagner Chief

Summary:

• Russia's ongoing assault on Odessa resulted in significant damage to a grain terminal, with sixty thousand tons of grain destroyed.
• The attack has crippled export areas in Odessa and Mikolay, impacting Ukraine's capacity to move and store grain.
• Russia's blockade on the Black Sea further complicates the situation for Ukraine and has significant implications on global grain prices.
• The Wagner Group's leader, Yevgeny Progoshin, was seen in Belarus, raising concerns about Putin's control over Russia.

Russia is continuing its assault on the Ukrainian port city of Odessa. Overnight, at least two people were injured in a strike on a grain terminal. The attack also destroyed a large amount of food stored there. And it marks Moscow's fourth consecutive day of attacks on the port cities in Ukraine.

Charlie Dagoda is in Kiev, reporting on the significant damage in Odessa. Ukrainian officials confirm that sixty thousand tons of grain were destroyed, enough to feed 270,000 to 300,000 people. Additionally, the attack has crippled the export areas in Odessa and Mikolay, two port cities that have been under relentless assault for the past three nights. This escalation not only affects the infrastructure and grain distribution centers but also disrupts the movement of ships through the Black Sea. Russia's blockade on the Black Sea is causing further complications for Ukraine. The continuous destruction of these port cities may hinder their recovery even if Russia decides to come back into the deal. This targeted attack is likely aimed at crippling Ukraine's capacity to move grain, causing a significant impact on global grain prices, which could affect developing nations as well.

CIA Director William Burns raises concerns about Putin's control over Russia after the recent rebellion carried out by the Wagner Group. The Wagner Group's leader, Yevgeny Progoshin, was seen in a video in Belarus, indicating possible cracks in President Putin's hold over Russia. The Wagner Group's movements and their potential return to the conflict in Ukraine are being closely watched, with Belarus emerging as a significant player in the region. The situation remains uncertain, and developments are being closely monitored by international observers.