First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, Tass, National Public Radio, and Reuters; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. — MCM
– – –
Eyes on Kherson as Ukraine claims bold move on Russians, by Paul Byrne | AP KYIV — A surge in fighting on the southern front line and a Ukrainian claim of new attacks on Russian positions fed speculation today that a long-expected counteroffensive to try to turn the tide of war has started. Officials in Kyiv, though, warned against excessive optimism . . . . Even though independent verification of battlefield moves has been extremely tough, the British defense ministry said in an intelligence report . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Russia’s Gazprom further cuts gas flow to Europe by half amid turbine dispute. From AFP. Russia tightened its gas squeeze on Europe on Monday as Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy corporation, said supplies through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany would drop to just 20 per cent of capacity. . . . The pipeline, which has a capacity of 55 billion cubic metres a year, is the single biggest Russian gas link to Europe. READ MORE . . .
– – –
IAEA inspection team arrives in Kiev — CNN. From Tass. MOSCOW — A 14-member team from the International Atomic Energy Agency led by its Director General Rafael Grossi has arrived in Kiev, CNN reported today. . . . No information is yet available on when the mission will arrive at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. READ MORE . . .
– – –
Germany’s energy options are dwindling as it tries to break ties with Russia. Reported by Rob Schmitz | NPR Millions of Germans are worried about efforts to wean the country off of Russian natural gas and possibly not having heat this winter. But energy experts say German industry should be more concerned. Click HERE to listen and read.
– – –
Kremlin: only sanctions prevent Nord Stream gas pipeline from working. From Reuters. MOSCOW — Nothing stands on the way of Russian gas exports to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline apart from technological problems caused by Western sanctions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday, a day before another planned maintenance . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Ukraine wants the EU to ban Russian tourists. From NPR. The European Union is being asked to join member countries along the Russian border and reject tourist travel by Russians. Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.
– – –
TO BE CONTINUED