Russia says it thwarted a plot by Ukrainian intelligence agencies to carry out sabotage and terrorism on the South Stream gas pipeline that supplies Russia’s natural gas to the European continent.

Russia has announced that it will rejoin the UN-administered grain export corridor from Ukraine via the Black Sea, reserving its right, however, to withdraw from the international agreement.

In July, Moscow and Kiev had agreed to resume grain exports from Ukraine's Black Sea ports.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed pessimism about the situation in Ukraine, saying the prospects for peace in country are "minimal" at present.

Two more ships loaded with corn and soybeans sail from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports of Pivdennyi and Chornomorsk.

Russia and Ukraine have made substantive progress on a deal to resume grain exports from the latter country’s Black Sea ports, raising hopes of an end to a standoff that has exposed millions to the risk of starvation.

The head of pro-Russian forces in the Crimean Peninsula accuses the Ukrainian government troops of attacking oil drilling platforms in the Black Sea.