**Ukraine Wants Partial Ceasefire to Take Effect on March 25**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants a partial ceasefire in the Black Sea and an end to energy infrastructure strikes to take effect on March 25. This is despite Russia saying that these measures would only start once Western sanctions on Russian food producers and exporters are lifted.
Zelensky’s statement came after two-day talks with Russia and the US in Saudi Arabia. The three countries agreed on a ceasefire in the Black Sea and a ban on energy strikes, but have different ideas about when this should happen.
**Russia’s Conditions**
Russia says that sanctions against their food producers must be lifted before they will agree to the ceasefire. They also claim that the ban on energy strikes has been in effect since March 18 and can be extended for up to 30 days.
Zelensky believes that once the US makes official statements about the ceasefire, it should come into effect. He sees this as a way of getting relief from sanctions against Russia.
**US Pledges Support**
The US has promised to help Russia get back access to international food markets and lower insurance costs for Russian agriculture exports.
**Ukraine Can Sue Russia**
Zelensky says that Ukraine can turn to the US if Russia violates the ceasefire. This was said in response to a statement from Russia’s Defense Minister saying that the ban on energy strikes had been in effect since March 18.
**Russian Attacks Continue**
Despite agreeing to stop aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities, Russia has continued their regular campaign of bombings and attacks against Ukraine’s infrastructure.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com