**Key Developments on March 25**
A ceasefire in the Black Sea will take effect, but only after some sanctions are lifted. The Kremlin claims this is a condition for the ceasefire.
The agreement was made during talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US in Saudi Arabia. The three sides agreed to stop using force and prevent commercial vessels from being used for military purposes.
However, President Volodymyr Zelensky says that Ukraine believes the partial ceasefire should start on March 25, not after sanctions are lifted.
The Kremlin also wants the West to lift sanctions on Russian food producers, exporters, and ships involved in food and fertilizer trade. They also want the import of agricultural equipment and fertilizers into Russia to be allowed.
**Ukraine Strikes Russian Soldiers**
An airstrike by Ukraine’s Air Force has killed up to 30 Russian soldiers in Kursk Oblast. The General Staff reported that a concentration of Russian military personnel was hit, causing significant damage.
However, this claim could not be independently verified by the Kyiv Independent.
**Russia Seeks Full Control Over Ukrainian Regions**
Russia is pushing for full control over four occupied Ukrainian regions – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. They believe that gaining full control over these territories is crucial for President Vladimir Putin.
According to a Kremlin-linked official, Russia intends to solidify its grip on these regions at any cost. However, the exact details of this plan are unclear.
**Ukraine Reacts**
President Zelensky views the Russian demand as a form of sanctions relief and says that Ukraine can turn to the US if the ceasefire is violated by Russia.
The Kremlin’s statement about lifting sanctions was not mentioned during U.S.-Russia talks, according to President Zelensky.