"Russia's Grain Export Deal Suspension Sparks Concerns and Potential Impact on Global Food Prices"

Russia launched strikes on Ukrainian ports after withdrawing from a U.N.-backed grain export deal, causing concern over rising food prices and hunger. The two countries provided conflicting accounts of fighting in northeastern Ukraine. Falling debris and blast waves damaged infrastructure in the port of Odesa, while the Ukrainian air force claimed to have shot down missiles and drones. Russia reported advances in the northeast, but Ukraine stated that the initiative had shifted to its forces. The top U.S. general acknowledged the ongoing counteroffensive but predicted a long and difficult battle.