Russia bombed the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine for the second day in row, sparking fires and damaging a kindergarten and private houses. Watch this report for more details!

Can Trump's pressure tactic end Ukraine war?

Trump's ultimatum to Putin: End war or face tariff

US President Donald Trump has threatened Russia with 50% tariffs on all Russian oil as he is very angry about Vladimir Putin's comments. His comments came during a telephonic interview with NBC News. Trump said that he was miffed about Putin's recent attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that questioned his credibility. The US President warned that he would impose a 50% secondary tariff on countries buying Russian oil.

US president warns Putin of ramifications if ceasefire deal fails

Ukrainian officials and military analysts have warned that Russian forces are preparing a fresh offensive in the coming weeks. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv says Moscow preparing for new military offensive

President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Russian forces have the “strategic initiative” along the Ukraine frontline. Putin confirms suggestion of 'transitional administration' for Ukraine under UN.

Putin: Strategic initiative in Russia's hands on frontline

Ukraine's allies from across Europe had an encouraging message for its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, on Thursday at the end of their summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky makes bold claims as war escalates, 'Putin will die soon'

A new report by the times UK, reveals that Ukraine is undergoing a "Firearms revolution." The country, which imports more weapons than any other nation and is facing one of the deadliest wars in Europe since world war II, is reportedly at risk of becoming a weapons paradise. Surveys cited by the Times UK have shown that a majority of the Ukrainian population favours allowing civilians to own guns.

Ukraine: Arms paradise in the making?

Russia and the United States are holding discussions in Riyadh for a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. Aside from truce talks, both parties are set to discuss restarting a key agreement aimed at protecting merchant shipping in the Black Sea, the Kremlin announced on Monday (March 24). Moscow said that it believes important parts of the original deal were never fulfilled.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the "Black Sea Initiative," widely known as the grain deal, was among the topics being discussed at a meeting in Saudi Arabia between Russian and American officials on Monday.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-russia-talks-on-ukraine-peace-deal-underway-in-saudi-arabia-trump-brokered-ceasefire-in-sight-8885431">US and Russia talks on Ukraine peace deal underway in Saudi Arabia: Trump-brokered ceasefire in sight?</a>
<h2>What was the Black Sea Grain deal?</h2>
The Black Sea grain initiative was established in July 2022 through negotiations involving Turkey, the United Nations, and Russia. Its purpose was to ensure that Ukraine, one of the world&rsquo;s largest grain producers, could continue exporting its grain from southern ports through the Bosphorus. With overland routes through Poland and waterways via Romania unable to handle the necessary volumes, the agreement became essential for the global food supply.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ukraine-hold-talks-in-riyadh-as-us-envoy-expresses-optimism-on-ending-war-before-russia-meeting-8883474">US-Ukraine hold talks in Riyadh as US envoy expresses optimism on ending war before Russia meeting</a>
<h2>What did the deal include?</h2>
The initiative, one of the few diplomatic breakthroughs since the conflict began, allowed the export of commercial food products and fertiliser, including ammonia, from three key Ukrainian ports: Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi (formerly Yuzhny).
Ukrainian vessels escorted cargo ships through safe corridors, avoiding mined areas, before heading towards Istanbul. There, the ships were inspected by joint teams made up of Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian, and UN officials.
A second agreement was signed alongside it, intended to ease restrictions on Russia's food and fertiliser exports. Both parts of the deal were reviewed every few months.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-shuttlecock-diplomacy-and-why-is-the-us-using-it-to-broker-ceasefire-between-russia-and-ukraine-8883063">What is 'shuttlecock diplomacy', and why is the US using it to broker ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine?</a>
<h2>Did the agreement work?</h2>
Despite tensions and lack of trust, around 33 million tonnes of grain were exported from Ukrainian ports. The UK reported that 61% of this went to low- and middle-income countries, with 65% of wheat exports reaching those nations. The World Food Programme alone bought around 750,000 tonnes, which were sent to countries like Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Afghanistan. Thanks to the increased supply, global grain prices dropped significantly, from a high of $1,360 per tonne to about $800.
Russia, however, claimed that less than 4% of the grain reached the poorest nations. However many experts argued that even exports to wealthier countries helped reduce prices worldwide.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/preposterous-trump-envoy-witkoff-dismisses-starmers-ukraine-plan-as-zelensky-urges-new-pressure-on-russia-8882862">&lsquo;Preposterous&rsquo;: Trump envoy Witkoff dismisses Starmer&rsquo;s Ukraine plan as Zelensky urges 'new pressure' on Russia</a>
<h2>Why did the deal break down?</h2>
Over time, Russia began slowing inspections. In October 2022, ten ship inspections were carried out each day, with 4.2 million metric tonnes exported that month. By November, it fell to seven daily, and by May, only two inspections were happening each day. That month, just 1.3 million metric tonnes left Ukraine. Compared to March 2023, April saw a 29% drop in food exports under the initiative, with a further 66% drop in May. Russia eventually pulled out of the deal.
The main reason behind this, according to Moscow, was that the second part of the deal, aimed at easing Russian agricultural exports, was not upheld.
Russia argued that sanctions on its exports were not lifted clearly enough, making insurers unwilling to cover ships carrying Russian food. It also demanded that sanctions on its key agricultural bank be removed.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Black Sea grain initiative was established in July 2022. Its purpose was to ensure that Ukraine could continue exporting its grain.

Russia and the United States are holding discussions in Riyadh for a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. Aside from truce talks, both parties are set to discuss restarting a key agreement aimed at protecting merchant shipping in the Black Sea, the Kremlin announced on Monday (March 24). Moscow said that it believes important parts of the original deal were never fulfilled. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the "Black Sea Initiative," widely known as the grain deal, was among the topics being discussed at a meeting in Saudi Arabia between Russian and American officials on Monday. Also read: US and Russia talks on Ukraine peace deal underway in Saudi Arabia: Trump-brokered ceasefire in sight? What was the Black Sea Grain deal? The Black Sea grain initiative was established in July 2022 through negotiations involving Turkey, the United Nations, and Russia. Its purpose was to ensure that Ukraine, one of the world’s largest grain producers, could continue exporting its grain from southern ports through the Bosphorus. With overland routes through Poland and waterways via Romania unable to handle the necessary volumes, the agreement became essential for the global food supply. Also read: US-Ukraine hold talks in Riyadh as US envoy expresses optimism on ending war before Russia meeting What did the deal include? The initiative, one of the few diplomatic breakthroughs since the conflict began, allowed the export of commercial food products and fertiliser, including ammonia, from three key Ukrainian ports: Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi (formerly Yuzhny). Ukrainian vessels escorted cargo ships through safe corridors, avoiding mined areas, before heading towards Istanbul. There, the ships were inspected by joint teams made up of Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian, and UN officials. A second agreement was signed alongside it, intended to ease restrictions on Russia's food and fertiliser exports. Both parts of the deal were reviewed every few months. Also read: What is 'shuttlecock diplomacy', and why is the US using it to broker ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine? Did the agreement work? Despite tensions and lack of trust, around 33 million tonnes of grain were exported from Ukrainian ports. The UK reported that 61% of this went to low- and middle-income countries, with 65% of wheat exports reaching those nations. The World Food Programme alone bought around 750,000 tonnes, which were sent to countries like Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Afghanistan. Thanks to the increased supply, global grain prices dropped significantly, from a high of $1,360 per tonne to about $800. Russia, however, claimed that less than 4% of the grain reached the poorest nations. However many experts argued that even exports to wealthier countries helped reduce prices worldwide. Also read: ‘Preposterous’: Trump envoy Witkoff dismisses Starmer’s Ukraine plan as Zelensky urges 'new pressure' on Russia Why did the deal break down? Over time, Russia began slowing inspections. In October 2022, ten ship inspections were carried out each day, with 4.2 million metric tonnes exported that month. By November, it fell to seven daily, and by May, only two inspections were happening each day. That month, just 1.3 million metric tonnes left Ukraine. Compared to March 2023, April saw a 29% drop in food exports under the initiative, with a further 66% drop in May. Russia eventually pulled out of the deal. The main reason behind this, according to Moscow, was that the second part of the deal, aimed at easing Russian agricultural exports, was not upheld. Russia argued that sanctions on its exports were not lifted clearly enough, making insurers unwilling to cover ships carrying Russian food. It also demanded that sanctions on its key agricultural bank be removed. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia wants to restore 'Black Sea Grain deal' with Ukraine: What is it and why did Moscow back out the first time?

At least seven people have been injured, and several buildings have been damaged in Russia's overnight attack on Kyiv, just a day before peace talks were set to take place in Saudi Arabia. Photographs released by Ukraine's State Emergency Service depicted an apartment building engulfed in flames, following what officials have described as a Russian strike.

Russia-Ukraine war: Next peace talk to take place in Saudi on Monday

Despite ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire, Russia and Ukraine have continued to engage in fresh strikes and counterstrikes. On Thursday, Ukraine launched a high-risk drone attack deep inside Russia, targeting the Engles air base. Newly released satellite imagery reveals craters and damaged bunkers at this strategic bomber base. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: At least two killed in Russian strikes on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia

As Ukrainian forces execute daring drone strikes deep into Russian territory, the much touted F-16 fighter jets remain absent from combat. Watch this report for more details!

Why have Ukraine's F-16s disappeared from the battlefield?

Russia has launched a full-scale revenge operation, unleashing relentless strikes on Ukrainian territories. Striking 153 Ukrainian areas in just 24 hours. This comes, just a day after, Ukraine struck Russia's Engels Airbase, home to Vladimir Putin's prized fleet of nuclear-capable strategic bombers.

Russia unleashes devastating revenge strikes on Ukraine

A Russian gas pumping and measuring station in western Russia's Kursk region near the border with Ukraine was on fire on Friday after being rocked by a major explosion. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia strikes on gas pumping station in Kursk's Sudzha

Ukraine launched a high-risk drone attack deep inside Russia, striking the Engels airbase. The airbase is deep inside Russian territory and home to Russian President Vladimir Putin's prized fleet of nuclear-capable bombers.

Desperate Ukraine escalates war, hits Russian nuclear base

US President Donald Trump has told his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, that the US could own and run Ukraine's nuclear power plants as part of Zelensky's bid to secure a ceasefire in Russia's invasion of its neighbor. A day after speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin for about two hours, Trump held what he described as a very good, hour-long phone call with Zelensky. On the other hand, the Ukrainian president labeled his conversation with his US counterpart as positive, frank, and very substantive. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Trump proposes US ownership of Ukraine's nuclear plants

U.S. President Donald Trump has told his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, that the U.S. could own and run Ukraine's nuclear power plants as part of Zelensky's bid to secure a ceasefire in Russia's invasion of its neighbor. A day after speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin for about two hours, Trump held what he described as a very good, hour-long phone call with Zelensky. On the other hand, the Ukrainian president labeled his conversation with his U.S. counterpart as positive, frank, and very substantive. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says under 'no pressure' from Trump to make concessions

According to the reports, Ukrainian troops are all gone from the Russian Kursk region. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine almost out of Kursk

Ukraine accuses Russia of rejecting a US-supported ceasefire proposal, as fresh strikes target civilian infrastructure. Despite a 30-day pause on energy attacks, Russia demands the West halt military aid to Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia accuses Ukraine of trying to 'derail' Putin-Trump deal

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky accuses Russia of rejecting ceasefire as new strikes hit Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky accuses Russia of rejecting ceasefire after new strikes

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky reports Russian strikes target civilian sites after Putin-Trump call

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky claims Russian strikes hit 'civilian infrastructure'

Amid the fighting in Kursk, ceasefire negotiations have gained pace. U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff says President Donald Trump is set to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, even as Washington presses for Moscow to accept a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Watch in for more details!

Breaking | Trump & Putin to discuss Ukraine ceasefire deal: US envoy

Russia fired 67 missiles and 194 drones at Ukrainian cities. For the first time, French Mirage 2000 fighter jets took part in repelling the attack. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine uses French Mirage jets in repelling massive Russian attack

Russian forces launched a new mass drone attack on Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa, damaging energy infrastructure and triggering fires. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian drones hit energy targets, trigger fires in Odesa

Russia has firmly rejected proposals for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, dismissing suggestions of a one-month halt in fighting or cessation of aerial and naval attacks. Watch in for more details!

Russia accuses Macron of spreading 'false narratives'

Ukraine has scrambled to reset its ties with the United States after President Donald Trump suspended military shipments to Kyiv. This move, in effect, hindered Ukraine's missile offensive by pausing the longstanding US intelligence-sharing arrangement. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: US halts Ukraine intel sharing, undermining himars effectiveness

Donald Trump’s administration held secret talks with some of Volodymyr Zelensky’s top political opponents, it has emerged. Watch this report for more details!

Trump team held 'secret talks' with Zelensky opposition

Russia said it would not go for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, rejecting proposals of a one-month halt in fighting or a stop in aerial and naval attacks – ideas floated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Watch this report for more details!

Moscow dismisses Zelensky's truce offer as unacceptable, says agreements on final settlement needed

The leaders of the EU nations are in a bit of a huddle in Brussels on the security question. An emergency EU meeting and a special Council on defense is underway, and it comes as French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the continent is at what he calls a turning point in history. Watch in for more details!

Ukraine war: EU leaders meet in Brussels as US stops military support

Ukraine has scrambled to reset its ties with the United States after President Donald Trump suspended military shipments to Kyiv. This move, in effect, hindered Ukraine's missile offensive by pausing the longstanding US intelligence sharing arrangement. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine scrambles to reset its ties with the US

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