* Ukraine and Russia have made progress in trying to resolve disputes over grain exports, according to Turkey and the United Nations. There will be new talks next week, according to Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.

Turkey has been working with the United Nations to reach a deal to transport grain out of Ukraine, which is one of the world’s biggest exporters of grain. Russia’s attacks on the country have contributed to a global food crisis in which hundreds of millions of people are threatened with starvation

A final deal to export some 20 to 25 million tonnes of grain now held at Ukrainian ports could be finalized next week, Akar signals.

* North Korea recognizes the Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states. Recognition of the so-called independent people’s republic comes after Syria, another Russian ally, did the same in June.

KCNA, North Korea’s state news agency, wrote early Thursday that the country had “decided to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics.” Furthermore, “the desire to establish relations between countries with these countries is expressed in the spirit of independence, peace and friendship”.

* In March, the government decided to accept 550 patients from Ukraine. So far, only 67 have arrived. The Norwegian Directorate of Health says they provide services to more patients than those who say yes, and ultimately end up in healthcare here. The injured Ukrainian patient preferred to go to a country other than Norway, Aftenposten wrote.

Steinar Olsen, head of the department of emergency medicine and emergency preparedness at the Norwegian Directorate of Health, stated that some Ukrainian patients refuse health services in Norway.

– So far, Norwegian and Norwegian hospitals have offered places based on the capacity we have. So far we have offered up to 250 places, but patients are also receiving offers in other countries in parallel with ours, he said.