Russia abandons Snake Island in strategic victory for Ukraine

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The Reuters Daily Briefing Thursday, June 30, 2022 by Linda Noakes Hello Here's what you need to know. DeSantis may be the biggest winner from the Capitol assault hearings, the Philippines begins a new era of Marcos rule, and how investors can deal with crypto turbulence Today's biggest stories A general view of Snake Island, Ukraine, in this handout still image obtained by Reuters on June 30, 2022 RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR Russian forces announced they had abandoned the strategic Black Sea outpost of Snake Island, in a major victory for Ukraine that could loosen the grip of Russia's grain export blockade. Russia's defense ministry described the decision to withdraw from the outcrop as a "gesture of goodwill" that showed Moscow was not obstructing United Nations efforts to open a humanitarian corridor allowing grains to be shipped from Ukraine's ports. Russian President Vladimir Putin still wants to seize most of Ukraine, but his forces are so degraded by combat that they likely can only achieve incremental gains in the near term, the top U.S. intelligence officer said. Putin said that Russia would respond in kind if NATO deployed troops and infrastructure in Finland and Sweden after they join the U.S.-led military alliance. Trade through Lithuania to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad could return to normal within days, sources said, as European officials edge towards a compromise deal with the Baltic state to defuse a row with Moscow. 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Quote of the day "I just want to recall the events of recent history, when Margaret Thatcher decided to launch military operations against Argentina for the Falkland Islands" Putin rejects Johnson's claim a woman wouldn't have invaded Ukraine Video of the day New viewing platform to open at Niagara Falls A century-old tunnel on the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls will provide visitors with a unique view. And finally… Isner hails Murray after ending his Wimbledon hopes Big-hitting American John Isner paid tribute to Andy Murray after sending the two-times champion crashing out of Wimbledon with a barrage of booming serves and aces. More from Reuters Sustainable Business The Great Reboot Disrupted Legal News Breakingviews Thanks for spending part of your day with us. You are receiving this email because you signed up for newsletters from Reuters. No longer want to hear from us? Unsubscribe from The Reuters Daily Briefing. 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