Russia-Ukraine live: Putin blasted for ‘cynical’ move to end grain deal after Crimea Bridge struck

Vladimir Putin has been blasted for his “cynical move” to end the Black Sea grain export deal after the Crimean Bridge was struck on Monday. Russia said it had halted participation in the landmark UN-brokered deal that allowed Ukrainian grain to be exported through the Black Sea just hours after Moscow said Ukraine had attacked the critical Russian supply line amid reports of multiple explosions. European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen “strongly condemned Russia’s cynical move” in a tweet, adding that the EU would continue to work towards ensuring food security for poor countries. Moscow’s decision comes after Russia’s Investigative Committee said Kyiv was behind the “attack” on the bridge, which is a major supply artery for Russian troops fighting in Ukraine and was previously bombed in October. It subsequently opened a terrorism case. Meanwhile, Ukraine has not officially confirmed nor denied involvement and the country’s military has suggested Moscow could be responsible. Three Ukrainian media outlets quoted unnamed sources as saying Ukraine’s domestic security agency and navy were behind the incident, adding that they had used sea-borne drones to attack it. Read More Ukrainian boxer fights through the challenges of war on her way to the Paris Olympics Russia has 'sufficient stockpile' of cluster bombs, says Putin, as Ukraine gets US cluster bombs Yevgeny Prigozhin: Man who led Putin mutiny pictured in pants in tent during exile