June 9, Thursday, 2022 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline read by Mr. Yamaguchi Hiroaki

1.A pro-Russian separatist leader reported that a close aide to President Vladimir Putin visited the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, apparently in a show of Russian control over the region. Denis Pushilin posted a video of First Deputy Chief of Staff Sergei Kiriyenko on social media on Wednesday. Kiriyenko traveled in a car marked with the letter “Z”—a symbol of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
2.Inflation in Russia remained high last month due to tough international sanctions imposed in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s statistics agency said on Wednesday the consumer price index in May rose 17.1 percent from a year earlier. Food prices surged 20.05 percent.
3.Farmers in Ukraine work in what has been called the “breadbasket of Europe.” But now, many of them are looking into their fields of grain and seeking risks. The Russian invasion has stopped the flow of vital food supplies. Ukrainian leaders have accused the Russians of blocking grain shipments out of ports on the Black Sea. The Russians say Ukrainian mines have made potential shipments too dangerous.