Russia’s war against Ukraine: Day 142, July 15 – Update 2

– Russia sees grain deal ‘soon’ –

Russia’s defence ministry says that a “final document” designed to unblock grain exports from Ukrainian ports will be ready “soon”, following negotiations with Kyiv in Istanbul this week.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February has disrupted the export of grain from ports in Ukraine, which is one of the world’s largest wheat exporters, worsening a food crisis around the world.

– US to resume flights to ISS –  

The United States says it will resume flights to the International Space Station with Russia, despite its attempts to isolate Moscow over the invasion of Ukraine.  “To ensure continued safe operations of the International Space Station, protect the lives of astronauts and ensure continuous US presence in space, NASA will resume integrated crews on US crew spacecraft and the Russian Soyuz,” US space agency NASA says in a statement.

– EU targets Russian gold –

The European Union executive proposes to target Russian gold exports in an update to its sanctions’ packages that will also tighten the screws on previous measures against Moscow.   The EU has so far approved six packages of sanctions on Russia. The last one passed in June imposed a ban on most Russian oil imports.  The move on gold, fulfilling a decision by the Group of Seven most industrialised nations in late June, will be discussed at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, July 18.