Russia’s Defence Ministry says all partial mobilisation activities have been suspended

Volunteers and contractors will be engaged in Russia’s military drive, after a revised strategy from the Ministry of Defence.

“All activities related to the conscription… of citizens in the reserve have been stopped,” the ministry said.

It means no further call-up notices will be issued but it is not an end to the partial mobilisation policy itself.

Russia has continued its bombardment of Ukraine’s military control and energy systems.

Around 40 per cent of Kyiv’s population remains without water, with over 200,000 residents unable to power their homes.

Grain exports on hold

Russia has suspended its grain export corridor with Ukraine. Moscow said “the move was provoked by the actions of Kyiv”.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said the Black Sea naval route was being used to launch attacks.

But U.S. Department of State spokesperson, Ned Price said the blockade will have significant impacts.

“Any disruption to the initiative risks spiking food prices, lowering the confidence of insurers and commercial shippers who have returned to Black Sea routes and further imposing hardships on lower income countries already reeling from dire humanitarian crises and global food insecurity.”

Russia says the UN-backed deal had been suspended for an indefinite period of time, and did not provide a timeline for it to reopen.

The U-S says there would be global consequences if Russia continues its blockade.

“This is not a bilateral issue between Russia and Ukraine,” Price said.

U.S. officials believe two-thirds of the wheat exported under th initiative has gone to developing counties.

“It is not in Russia’s interest, it is not in the interests of the international community to see what could be a kind to a form of collective punishment for this to remain suspended,” Price said.