Ukraine is the setting of Russia's months-long invasion, but the impacts are being felt far beyond. Key shipments are being blocked, driving up food costs and putting people in danger of going hungry.

Russia lost another high-ranking officer in one of its latest battles in the eastern region of Ukraine. Still, it is pressing ahead in its drive to control the Ukrainian stronghold of Severodonetsk and the areas around it.

Russia's defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, said, "Ninety-seven percent of the Luhansk region has been liberated."

He added that forces in the south have finished removing mines from the city of Mariupol, and grain shipments can be resumed through the Black Sea.

But Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the Russians are preventing exports, and up to 25 million tons of grain are sitting idle.

He said, "Our ports are blocked. We can't export grain, barley... our sunflower oil. The Russians have stolen our grain. They stole it and carried it away on ships."

The president says shipments from territory seized by the Russians would amount to looting.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has headed to Turkey for discussions with leaders. Food exports are expected to be a main talking point.