Russia-Ukraine War News LIVE Updates: Russian missiles hit grain facility at Odessa port

Russia reopened its biggest gas pipeline to Germany at less than half normal capacity on Thursday after a maintenance shutdown, raising worries of European energy shortages to come. The resumption of gas flows via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany ended a nerve-jangling 10 days for Europe in which politicians expressed concern Russia might keep it shut altogether after closing it for repairs. But with the flows still cut back, Germany’s economy minister Robert Habeck accused Russia of blackmailing Europe over energy. The Kremlin denied that and blamed Europe for causing disruption with sanctions which had complicated the pipeline’s maintenance. Nearly five months since Russia invaded Ukraine, the prospect of a disruption of European energy supplies is one of the biggest global economic and political risks arising from the war. European countries fear they could face shortages next winter, if Russia cuts back deliveries during warm months when they typically replenish storage tanks.

Russia on Thursday reopened its biggest gas pipeline to Germany at less than half normal capacity after a maintenance shutdown, raising worries of European energy shortages to come. The resumption of gas flows via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany ended a nerve-jangling 10 days for Europe in which politicians expressed concern Russia might keep it shut altogether after closing it for repairs.

Full details of the agreement were not immediately released. It was due to be signed on Friday at the Dolmabahce Palace offices at 1330 GMT, President Tayyip Erdogan's office said. There was no immediate confirmation from Moscow or Kyiv of the deal. The U.S. State Department said it welcomed the announcement and would hold Russia to account for implementing the agreement.

The halt to grain shipments during the five-month war has caused prices to rise dramatically around the world, and reopening Ukraine's ports could potentially avert famine.

Russia and Ukraine will sign a deal on Friday to reopen Ukraine's blockaded Black Sea ports, Turkey said, a potential breakthrough that could ease the threat of hunger facing millions around the world as a consequence of Russia's invasion.