Newsflash – June 30, 2022

NATO – NATO leaders are focusing today, the second day of the summit in Madrid, on the challenges and threats in the southern neighbourhood, including the food crisis deepened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The participants will discuss the progress in the fight against terrorism, means to ensure food security, and Allied support options for the organisation’s southern partners. According to Radio Romania’s correspondent in Madrid, president Klaus Iohannis will highlight Romania’s contribution in providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and in reducing risks related to food security. He will also underline Romania’s support for vulnerable partners, particularly the neighbouring R. of Moldova and Georgia. On Wednesday, the first day of the summit, NATO adopted a new strategic concept, which defines Russia as the most significant and direct threat to Allied security and stability.

UKRAINE – On Thursday the Russian Army announced pulling out of the Serpent Island, a strategic location in the Black Sea controlled by Moscow ever since the beginning of its invasion in Ukraine. Russia’s defence ministry described this as a proof of good will, which should facilitiate Ukraine’s grains exports. „This decision will not enable Kyiv to take advantage of the imminent food crisis by claiming that it is unable to export grains because of Russia’s complete control over the north-western part of the Black Sea,” the Russian defence ministry added, and said mine sweeping is expected on the Black Sea coast, including ports. In turn, Kyiv had announced that Russian troops had been forced out of the remains of their unit on Serpent Island, following a successful Ukrainian operation.
(Radio Romania International)