MOSCOW: Russia said on Saturday (Jul 12) that its agreement with the United Nations to facilitate exports of Russian food and fertilisers had collapsed due to Western sanctions over Moscow's offensive in Ukraine.

An emboldened Russia has ramped up military offensives on two fronts in Ukraine. That is scattering Kyiv’s precious reserve troops and threatening to expand the fighting to a new Ukrainian region as each side seeks an advantage before the fighting season wanes in the autumn.

Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to Kursk to oust Ukrainian forces and provided Moscow’s army with artillery shells and missiles.

Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia unleashed a massive aerial offensive overnight, launching 597 threats that included combat drones, decoys, and 26 cruise missiles.

The northern regional capital has become a frequent target of Russian drones, missiles and guided bombs. Now, Ukraine's top general says at least 50,000 Russian troops have massed across the border.

Knowing what overarching strategy guides both nations is essential to acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the war.