**Russia to Resume Ukraine Grain Exports**
Russia will resume its participation in a deal with Ukraine that allows the country to export vital grains, despite earlier withdrawal. The Black Sea grain initiative was brokered by the UN and Turkey in July to help ease global food shortages.
The move comes after Russia received assurances from Ukraine that it would not use a humanitarian maritime corridor for military purposes. The UN Secretary-General welcomed the announcement, saying it was “grateful” for the diplomatic efforts of Turkey and thanked the UN Coordinator for keeping the vital food supply line open.
**Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure Damaged**
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said that about 40% of his country’s entire energy infrastructure has been seriously damaged by Russian missile and drone strikes. Russia has denied targeting civilian areas, but Ukraine claims to have shot down Iranian-made drones in central and eastern regions.
**Russia Announces End to Partial Mobilization**
Russia has announced the completion of its “partial mobilization” of hundreds of thousands of citizens to fight in the war on Ukraine. The draft was met with protests and an exodus of men from the country, but President Vladimir Putin said it had been completed and that there would be no further drafts.
**Economic Contraction**
Russia’s economy shrank by 5% on an annualized basis in September, according to the economy ministry. This is a sharper contraction than the 4% recorded a month earlier. The country has been hit hard by Western sanctions and the fallout from sending troops into Ukraine in February.
**Other Developments**
* Ukrainian officials say they have struck important Russian military systems in the southern region of Kherson.
* Russia’s Ministry of Defense says all partial mobilization activities, including summons deliveries, have been suspended.
* President Putin said that 41,000 of those recruited for the war are currently in combat formations, while almost 260,000 are being trained but not participating in hostilities.