For now, links to reports from Reuters, Agence France-Presse, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on its initials below. Then, via Consortium News, commentary from People’s Dispatch.— MCM

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Kyiv says Russia targets grain infrastructure with strikes on Ukraine’s Odesa port, by Max Hunder | Reuters KYIV — Russia launched an extensive air attack on the Ukrainian city of Odesa for a second night in row, but authorities vowed today not to be intimidated by the “hellish” onslaught from working to keep grain exports moving from its ports. The attack was “very powerful, truly massive,” Serhiy Bratchuk, spokesperson for the . . .  READ MORE . . . 

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Ukraine says conducted ‘successful operation’ as Crimea fights fire. From AFP.  Ukraine said today its forces had carried out a successful operation in the Russian-annexed Crimea peninsula after authorities there said a fire at a military facility prompted mass civilian evacuations. Kremlin-installed authorities in the Black Sea territory . . . READ MORE . . .

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The latest on the Ukraine grain deal that collapsed after Russia backed out. Reported by Ailsa Chang and Joanna Kakissis | NPR Ukraine says it wants to keep exporting grain from its ports in the Black Sea, saying it needs partners to keep those exports flowing. in the port city of Odesa, the U.S. offered additional help. Click HERE to listen and read.

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In Ukraine, U.S. adds to barbaric cluster-bomb legacy, by Abdul Rahman | Peoples Dispatch / Consortium News The U.S. supply of cluster munitions is a part of a fresh $800 million military aid package to Ukraine, which came on the eve of the NATO summit at Vilnius in Lithuania. The dangerous nature of cluster munitions, especially for civilians . . . READ MORE . . .

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MAY BE CONTINUED