**US Must Not Help Putin Out of Global Isolation, Zelensky Says**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the United States must not help Russian President Vladimir Putin out of global isolation. In an interview with Eurovision News on March 26, Zelensky said it was “very important” for America to keep pressure on Russia.
Zelensky’s comments come after a partial ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia was agreed upon, which included the US agreeing to ease certain economic restrictions on Russia. However, this has been met with criticism from many, including Zelensky himself.
**Putin’s Ambitions**
Zelensky said that Putin hopes to “remain in power until his death” and that his ambitions are not limited to Ukraine, but could lead to a direct confrontation with the West. He urged the US and Europe to remain united in pressuring Putin, who fears the European-American alliance and hopes to divide it.
**US Deal**
The US promised to ease certain economic restrictions on Russia as part of a deal for a limited ceasefire. This includes restoring Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lowering maritime insurance costs, and enhancing access to ports and payment systems for such transactions.
However, no concessions appear to have been extracted from Russia during the negotiations. Ukraine had already accepted Washington’s proposal for a complete 30-day ceasefire, but Moscow refused.
**Ceasefire**
The limited Black Sea ceasefire is seen as a step towards ending the war, but Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to an unlimited cessation of hostilities. He said that “in general, we were ready for a complete ceasefire”.
**Rescue Efforts**
Rescue efforts are currently underway for four missing soldiers whose fate is still unknown. A NATO spokesperson clarified that Secretary General Mark Rutte had said they had died, but this was later disputed.
**Russian Explosives Manufacturer**
A Russian explosives manufacturer has ordered tens of thousands of tons of nitric acid and other chemicals from fertilizer producers exempt from sanctions, according to documents seen by Bloomberg.
The package includes anti-tank missiles, air defense systems, Mirage fighter jet missiles, armored vehicles, ammunition, and other aid.