President Volodymyr Zelensky maintained that Ukraine’s goal is regaining full sovereignty over its territory. But Moscow announced Tuesday that it has restored rail and road links to the annexed Crimean Peninsula via Ukrainian cities it now controls, consolidating recent gains. The claim could not be independently verified.
As Russia’s blockade of Black Sea ports raised fears of a global food crisis, Ukraine said it was seeking a safe corridor for its agricultural exports. Kyiv wants security guarantees, worried that Moscow could target convoys after a recent attack on a grain depository. Russia said two ports it recently captured have been demined and are ready to ship grain. Western officials accused Moscow of weaponizing food.